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Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac has fired head coach Dave Joerger, the team confirmed Thursday.

"After evaluating the season, I determined that we need to move in a different direction in order to take us to the next level," Divac said of Joerger's dismissal. "On behalf of the entire Kings organization, I want to thank Dave for his contributions to our team and I wish him all the best."

Joerger had one year left on his contract after taking charge of the Kings in 2016. He amassed a 98-148 record over three years but won 39 games in 2018-19, the franchise's best tally since 2005-06.

Sacramento is interested in hiring Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton to replace Joerger, sources told Marc Stein of The New York Times. Walton is still under contract in Los Angeles, but was reportedly set to be fired by former Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, who unexpectedly stepped down Tuesday.

Sacramento's next head coach will be the team's ninth since the 2007-08 campaign:

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Joerger wasn't the only casualty of the Kings' year either, as Divac already informed assistant general manager Brandon Williams that he will not return next season, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

Divac agreed Thursday to a four-year contract extension through the 2022-23 season. He originally joined Sacramento's front office in 2015.

My Opinion: I believe this is better for Walton. I knew that he wouldn't carry the Lakers to the Playoffs just because he was an Assistant for the Warriors. The Kings are young and I see great potential in them for the future. I hope Luke can help them.

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