After heavy demands by Phil Jackson to return as the new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, sources say that the team has opted to go with Mike D'Antoni instead. Reportedly, Jackson was seeking some type of stake in the team and the team felt those demands were too much at this time.
"We signed Mike D'Antoni to a multi-year deal," Lakers spokesman John Black said, mentioning the team's owner and top two executives. "Dr. [Jerry] Buss, Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak were unanimous that Mike D'Antoni was the best coach for the team at this time."
D'Antoni, 61, coached the New York Knicks last season and the Phoenix Suns before that. He will officially take over the Lakers within a week or two, depending how quickly he recovers from knee-replacement surgery.
Lets see if this will change the Lakers season around after a 1-4 start, although they did beat the Golden State Warriors in their last game under interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff, who will remain the interim coach for now.
D'Antoni signed a three-year deal for $12 million. The team holds an option for a fourth year.
-Da'unda'dogg
No comments:
Post a Comment