The Kings have fired coach Luke Walton as head coach, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Sacramento has lost seven of eight and sits at 6-11 on the season. They currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference.
Walton. 41, was in his third season as Kings coach, compiling a 68-93 record. Before coming to Sacramento, the former NBA forward coached the Lakers for three seasons, going 98-148.
While the Kings have yet to name a replacement, Wojnarowski reported that former Pelicas coach and Kings associate coach Alvin Gentry is a “strong candidate” to become interim coach.
General manager Monte McNair recently spoke of his relationship with Walton when it appeared Walton was on the hot seat.
“We felt like we had a lot of positive signs last year,” McNair said, via The Athletic. “Obviously, we didn’t get where we wanted to go, so we worked on adding depth and defense (in the offseason), and Luke acknowledged that we need to be better, certainly on that end of the floor. And we’ve seen some good early returns this year.
“And so, you know, it’s just staying in that constant communication and hopefully seeing the results on the floor like we’ve seen this early going. You know, we all are trying to — like you said — row the boat in that direction. We’ve all got to get to the playoffs and finally reap that reward.”
Prior to coaching the Lakers and Kings, Walton was a highly sought assistant under Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
