Lakers Hire Mike D’Antoni

The Los Angeles Lakers announced early Monday morning that they have come to terms with Mike D'Antoni to become their next head coach.

D'Antoni has been most recently the coach of the New York Knicks and before that was the head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

According to sources, D'Antoni get a 3 year deal worth upwards of $12million dollars with a fourth year club option.

Reports as of late Sunday night according to ESPN.com had the job going to Phil Jackson unless he decided to decline the offer.  This announcement came as a shock to a lot of NBA Insiders as it is being reported that Phil Jackson never got the option to turn it down, yet the Lakers front office instead offered it to D'Antoni who quickly accepted.

It seems though that the players including Kobe Bryant were behind management either hiring D'Antoni or Jackson.  In addition, one of the newest Lakers, Steve Nash played for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix and had made it to two Western Conference Finals with him as his coach.

D'Antoni, who had knee surgery earlier this month, has not been medically cleared to travel yet and may not join the team for a few days to a week or so.

Reports are that Bernie Bickerstaff will remain the interim coach until Mike D'Antoni is able to join the team on a full time basis.

The Lakers next game is against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night and the Phoenix Suns will visit the Staples Center on Friday night.