It was expected that Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni would make his debut for the team on Sunday against the Rockets, but Bernie Bickerstaff once again commanded on the bench.
D’Antoni is anxious to get on the court and begin this new chapter in his coaching career. This Lakers team is no doubt the most talented roster he has had ever had and people are expecting big things from their new leader. ESPN Los Angeles reports that even thogh D’Antoni missed the game versus Houston, he is aiming for Tuesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets to make his debut.
D’Antoni plans to make his Lakers debut Tuesday at home against Brooklyn, a source close to the coach told ESPN.
The Brooklyn Nets are currently 6-2 and they have surprised many by their fast start. With a very talented backcourt of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, the Nets will cause a lot of problems for the Lakers. The Nets will be a good first test for the Lakers and it will be interesting to see how the team defends the explosive Nets squad.
Los Angeles played well under Bickerstaff and they have gotten back to .500 with a 5-5 record. D’Antoni is a very skillful coach, but the fans in Los Angeles want nothing but a championship.