Despite the many challenges which existed within the franchise, Luke Walton reportedly wanted to remain the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

The Lakers and Walton announced that they had mutually agreed to part ways on Friday. However, it is widely believed Walton was fired.

The Lakers announced Friday afternoon that the team and Walton had “mutually agreed to part ways.” But make no mistake, no matter what the media release said: Walton was fired.

Despite whatever challenges existed, Walton wanted to remain the coach of the Lakers, sources said.

Walton went 98-148 (.398) in three seasons with the Lakers. He joined the organization in the summer of 2016 after spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.

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Walton led the Warriors to a 39-4 start in the 2015-16 season as the interim coach while Steve Kerr was away from the team recovering from back surgery.

Magic Johnson stepped down as the Lakers president of basketball operations on Wednesday. Magic reportedly was told by owner Jeanie Buss he could fire Walton after the season ended.

Los Angeles missed the playoffs this season, the first year of the LeBron James era. Walton is expected to meet with the Sacramento Kings next week.