After dismissing head coach Mike Brown on Friday morning, the team was instantly linked to several big names. After interviewing Phil Jackson on Saturday morning, ESPN’s Chris Broussard is now reporting that the team also talked to Steve Nash’s former coach in Phoenix, Mike D’Antoni.
Lakers conducted telephone interview with Mike D’Antoni Saturday afternoon, source says. Will interview Mike Dunleavy tomorrow.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) November 11, 2012
Jackson is still the team’s top choice, but is bringing a long list of demands with him if he’s to return to the sideline in Los Angeles.
Phil remains top choice but his demands in today’s meeting were steep: travel restrictions 4 road games, & increased say in bball decisions
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) November 11, 2012
Still, it sounds like the job is Jackson’s if he wants it. The Lakers know they have a team constructed to win now, and aren’t likely to let Jackson slip through their fingers purely because of a few unusual requests.
My money is still on Jackson coming back to the Lakers for a third time, but until it’s official anything can happen.