Rye's Mike D'Antoni Named Coach Of Los Angeles Lakers

RYE, N.Y. – Rye resident and former New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni will replace Mike Brown as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team reported Sunday.

Rye resident Mike D'Antoni has signed a four-year, $12 million deal with the Lakers, according to his agent.
Photo Credit: *Danny LoPriore*

by Danny LoPriore

11/12/2012 9:00 a.m.

D'Antoni has a four-year, $12 million contract with the Lakers, according to his agent, Warren LeGarie. The Lakers released a statement saying the team planned to hold a news conference Tuesday or Wednesday.

Team owner Jerry Buss, executive vice president Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak were "unanimous that D'Antoni was the best coach for the team at this time," Lakers spokesperson John Black said in a statement.

Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson had also been interviewed and was considered to be the top candidate for the job, but Lakers captain Kobe Bryant is said to have favored D'Antoni.

"I love PJ [Jackson], but I'm very excited about D'Antoni," Kobe Bryant told ESPN Monday.

D’Antoni, who coached the Phoenix Suns in 2004-2008 before coming to the Knicks, where he coached from 2008 to 2012, resigned his Knicks post in the spring after coaching 42 games. D'Antoni also has been an assistant coach for the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team.

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