The Los Angeles Lakers went through major change in the past week with the addition of Mike D’Antoni to the bench. The former New York Knicks coach was named the Lakers’ new head coach and he is expected to make his debut with the team on Sunday.
At first it seemed as though the Lakers would give legendary coach Phil Jackson the job, but in a sudden turn of events it was D’Antoni who got the final call. Many people have lambasted the Lakers for choosing D’Antoni over Jackson, but at the end of the day, the Lakers players have welcomed D’Antoni with open arms.
Most of the news of the past seven days was centered around Mike D’Antoni and here is the Lakers Nation week in review.
Lakers Nation Game Recaps:
The Los Angeles Lakers played well under interim head coach Bernie Bickerstaff and he guided the team to some much needed victories. The Lakers struggled with Mike Brown, but it was Bickerstaff who gave the team its first winning streak. Before the whole Mike D’Antoni situation, the Lakers faced off with the Sacramento Kings hoping to breeze to a win. Los Angeles performedwell and walked off the court winners, 103-89.
The San Antonio Spurs came into Los Angeles on the 13th and once again, the two teams battled it out for a full 48 minutes. The Spurs and their core of three stars once again began the season strongly, and it was going to take a lot for the Lakers to come out with a victory. The Lakers held a lead in the fourth quarter, but the Spurs rallied late and came out with a 84-82 win.
Lakers Nation news:
Lamar Odom believes the Lakers and Clippers cannot be compared at this point of the season.
Mike D’Antoni is not focusing on a seven second offense.
Kobe Bryant responds to Magic Johnson’s negative comments directed towards Mike D’Antoni.
Time Warner Cable and DirecTV have agreed on a television deal.
Kobe Bryant said he probably would not have won his five rings without Phil Jackson.
Magic Johnson does not have faith in Jim Buss.
Nov, 14, 2012 was named “Dwight Howard Day” by the Los Angeles City Council.
The Lakers’ starting five was placed on the NBA’s 2013 All-Star Game ballot.
Kobe Bryant releases videos of him visiting Skid Row in Los Angeles.
Bryant told reporters that Mike D’Antoni was his first choice.
Mike D’Antoni said that Kobe Bryant was the greatest talent in the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers announce the hiring of Mike D’Antoni via press release.
Phil Jackson was “stunned” that the Lakers chose D’Antoni over him.
