Lakers ask for and receive permission to interview Luke Walton

Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers announced that they had parted ways with Byron Scott on Sunday night, one name has remained constant in the rumors surrounding their coaching search: Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton.

Lakers vice president of basketball operations is said to be 'partial' to Walton's candidacy, and other reports have painted him as the "favored candidate" to get the job. The Lakers have now taken the first step in vetting the former Lakers forward for the position, as Steve Kerr told Marc Spears of ESPN and other assembled media that the Lakers had asked for permission to speak with Walton, and that Golden State would grant it after their series against the Houston Rockets concluded.

The Warriors currently lead the Rockets 3-1 and could finish them off as soon as later Wednesday night, so the Lakers will likely get their first interview with Walton soon. How quickly they move to hire him or any of their other candidates remains to be seen, but general manager Mitch Kupchaksays the team hopes to have their coaching search wraps up before the start of free agency.

No matter when the decision takes place, all reports paint to this being Walton's job to lose, something he hasn't done a lot of as a head coach after going 39-4 while holding down the fort as Kerr recovered from back surgery. Stay tuned to Silver Screen and Roll for continuing updates on the Lakers coaching search.

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