NBA’s Walton to Coach at Memphis Till Lockout Ends

If this isn’t evidence that the NBA lockout is going to last for a little while, I’m not sure what is.

Luke Walton, who has two years left on his contract with the Lakers, will become an assistant coach under Josh Pastner at the University of Memphis until the lockout ends.

Once the lockout ends — whether that’s in October, December, February or before next season — Walton can return immediately to the Lakers.

That, of course, is pending approval from the university and the Tennessee State Board of Regents.

“Luke is going to bring great excitement and great energy to the Tigers program, and we’re thrilled to have him,” said Pastner, Walton’s former Arizona teammate. “Luke is someone who has not only played for but also learned from arguably one of the greatest coaches in basketball history in Phil Jackson. Luke’s also played with and against the best-of-the-best at the highest level of basketball in the NBA, including being a teammate of one of the NBA’s all-time greats in Kobe Bryant.”

Pastner told the Commercial Appeal of Memphis that Walton would work with the bigs and also recruit for as long as possible.

“It is a risk in the sense that the lockout could end at any time, but I felt the reward outweighs the risk,” Pastner told the paper. “(Walton) wants to coach. He wants to make a difference. He’s really excited about this. He’s going to be able to come in and help with the bigs. It’s going to be great.”