Cavs hire Luke Walton as an assistant coach

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring former head coach Luke Walton as an assistant for J.B. Bickerstaff's coaching staff, the team announced Tuesday.

Walton spent over five years as a head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings but was dismissed 17 games into the 2021-2022 season. His record as a head coach stands at 166-241 while failing to lead any of his squads to the playoffs.

"It's rare when you can strengthen your staff with someone of similar experiences and a passion for the game of basketball," Bickerstaff said in a statement.

"I'm excited for our players to have another valuable resource to work with on the court as we continue doing things the right way for sustainable success."

The 42-year-old had success as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, winning a championship with the franchise in 2015 before taking over as the Lakers' bench boss the following campaign.

The Kings named Walton's fellow Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown as their new coach earlier in May, taking over for interim coach Alvin Gentry.

Walton spent his final two seasons as a player with Cleveland from 2011-2013 following nine years with the Lakers, where he also won two championships.

The Cavaliers finished with a 44-38 record, good for ninth in the Eastern Conference. The team qualified for the play-in tournament but dropped both games to the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks.