Views: 2555
Comments: 12

10:00 AM ET 11.12 | When the news broke early this morning that the Los Angeles Lakers had chosen Mike D'Antoni to fill their vacant head coaching job over the legendary Phil Jackson, many around the basketball community were shocked. D'Antoni was considered the team's second-option to become the coach but something changed in the wee hours of the morning. While many fans and analysts were shocked by the decision, so was Phil Jackson. According to ESPN, Jackson was ready to fly out to Los Angeles to return as the Lakers coach and he was "stunned" when he learned the team had chosen Mike D'Antoni. The main issue with bringing back Jackson was his use of the triangle offense. Lakers officials decided that D'Antoni's high-pace offense is better suited for the roster Los Angeles has, which struggled to pick up Mike Brown's Princeton-style offense.

Phil Jackson, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Comments (12) Add A Comment

Comment #1 has been removed

Comment #2 has been removed

Comment #3 has been removed

Comment #4 has been removed

November 13, 2012 01:26 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Stunned?

What do you think would happen, Phil?

You asked for WAY too much!!

Annual salary that's nearly as much as D'Antoni's entire 4 years contract.
Personnel decisions.
Successor decisions.
GM powers.
Ownership stakes.
Right to get into the pants of owner's daughter... (Oh wait, he's got that already)

Seriously, don't get greedy.

Shadowfish

Cerritos , CA

Total Comments (47)

November 13, 2012 03:20 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

D'Antoni....pleeeeeeeee-ase!!! He sucked in NY and wont make it in LA!!!

CREEPY FACE !!

Total Comments (22929)

November 13, 2012 06:57 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

D'Antoni for Brown is really no difference. Trading a guy who is good with defense, so-so with offense, for a guy who is good with offense, so-so on defense.

The fundamental problems with the Lakers still remain. No speed in the backcourt, no transition game, no bench.

It won't be long before the question is asked: "If the Lakers don't win this year, will D'Antoni be replaced?".

Red Mamba

Total Comments (1196)

Comment #8 has been removed

November 13, 2012 08:03 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Good morning all.

SoonerThunder

Total Comments (3276)

November 13, 2012 08:06 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

I think this a horrible hire... dandummy no defense .....no championships. This seems like a Jim buss ego hire

Luvher_501

Total Comments (18287)

November 13, 2012 09:31 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

It May Be For The Best, Bro.

I Love LA

Total Comments (5564)

November 13, 2012 04:11 PM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Why surprise Phil. They're the same organization that got rid of Shaq because Kobe couldn't be the man as long as the Big Cactus was roaming the courts in L.A.