Walton: Tough to leave GSW, ready for Lakers

5:44 PM ET

OAKLAND, Calif. — Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton said it was a difficult decision choosing to take over as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, but one he was prepared to make.

“It was a tough decision, but I didn’t have to sleep on it because I already kind of thought it out,” said Walton, who addressed the media for the first time since news of the hire broke Friday. “Obviously I love that the past two years the players here are incredible, not just talent-wise, but the people they are. I love the coaching staff I work with here.”

NBA coaching sources told ESPN’s Marc Stein that Walton landed a five-year deal with the Lakers — four years of which are guaranteed — at an annual salary believed to be between $5 million and $6 million depending on incentives.

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