I'm not sure how the Laker fans will take this news given that they really wanted Phil, but it all depends on how the Laker brass paints the story. I think the Lakers brass really didn't want to have to bow to Phil again. The team winning a couple of games has allowed them to not be as desperate as they started off looking.

NY Fans have to understand that those in the West don't have the lack of respect for D'Antoni that so many in the media and NY area fans do. Those teams have respect for a man that was giving them hell in the West with small teams. They don't forget the wars that took place over the years.

Sources confirmed a Los Angeles Times report that D'Antoni quickly agreed to coach the Lakers after L.A.'s weekend of negotiations to bring back Phil Jackson broke down.

It had been widely anticipated that the Lakers would be bringing back Jackson after deciding to oust Brown just five games into the regular season, but sources said that the Lakers ultimately couldn't stomach Jackson's contract demands to return, which were believed to include a salary ranging from $10 to 15 million annually, significant say in personnel decisions as well as his eventual replacement along with the ability for the 67-year-old to skip selected road games.

Sources indicate that the deal was consummated very quickly late Sunday night towards the end of the Lakers win over Sacramento.

D'Antoni, who had knee surgery at the beginning of November, hasn't yet been cleared to travel, according to sources and "it'll be a couple of days before he comes in, but he's further along than people believe."

Lakers point guard Steve Nash said earlier Sunday he would be elated if he were reunited with his old Suns coach in D'Antoni.

"Obviously I think everyone knows how much I love Mike," Nash said. "If (D'Antoni) were to coach, it would be seamless and terrific for me, and I think the team as well."

At least Chris Duhon will be happy. Jordan Hill- not so much.

It'll be interesting to see if he can make it work, but I'm not convinced.

earthmansurfer wrote:I like to watch D'Antoni's style of basketball. I think it can be successful under the right circumstances - the right personnel that is. I am mixed on the Lakers, players wise. They for sure have some major talent. But they don't see to be an ideal fit - not a deep bench, an excessively ISO player (at times) in Kobe, a non shooting center, etc.

D'Antoni is creative, though stubborn, so it will be interesting to see what he does there and how or if he adapts. I will definitely keep more of an eye on LA now that he is there. And wouldn't it be sweet to beat them for the championship...

Would love that to happen, but I just don't see that roster jelling rather quickly..

nash together again with mda..I see and gasol for amare trade coming soon

Jax did not want to coach all road games. Ask for 12mil a year, not go to all games, have personal powers and pick the successor? Not to say he don't got that kind of cred but Jimmy Buss was happy to get rid of him for these reasons.

MDA I guess still has the Elite cred.

It makes for interesting games!

Lakes Bench is kind of thin. He got the gig because he has a vision. I guess Phil Weber goes HollyWood now!