After the firing of head coach Mike Brown and with rumors seeming to all point the finger to the hiring of legendary coach Phil Jackson as being the only solution, the Los Angeles Lakers sign former Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni as the new head coach in Hollywood.
The Lakers chose D’Antoni over Phil Jackson who was prepared to take the job as the Lakers head coach Monday morning. The Lakers brass felt the triangle offense won’t fit their current roster and that D’Antoni’s offensive knowledge would make the transition seamless.
The Lakers have inked D’Antoni to a three year deal with a option on a fourth year. With all signs previously pointing to the return of zen master, Phil Jackson was stunned but the Lakers decision and I agree with him all the way.
D’Antoni is widely respected in the NBA for his offensive genius but his teams have never been known for their defensive presence and D’Antoni’s run as the Knicks coach wasn’t a great one. Newly acquired point guard Steve Nash played his best under D’Antoni winning back to back MVP awards in the early 2000s but was never knew for their defensive play.
The Lakers are 2-0 since Mike Brown was fired winning both games by double digits and only allowing 84 after opponents were averaging 99 points a game against LA. D’Antoni is recovering from Knee surgery and it may be so time before he will travel with the Lakers for road games. Something the Lakers were concerned with if Phil Jackson was hired.
How do you feel about the Lakers decision? Did they make the right choice?
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