“I was awakened at midnight Sunday by a phone call from Mitch Kupchak. He told me that the Lakers had signed Mike D’Antoni to a three-year agreement and that they felt he was the best coach for the team. The decision is of course theirs to make. I am gratified by the groundswell of support from the Laker fans who encouraged my return and it is the principal reason why I considered the possibility.”
Todd Musburger, Jackson’s agent, told the Times that some of the reported contract demands Jackson made are inaccurate.
Jackson appeared to be the logical choice to replace the fired Mike Brown until the Lakers surprised everyone by hiring D’Antoni.
D’Antoni has familiarity with Steve Nash from his days with the Phoenix Suns and with Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard from his time with Team USA. He got a warm public welcome from fellow Lakers Pau Gasol and Steve Blake.
LAL need 3 pt help – get Luke Babbitt, now.