Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni resigns
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni gestures to his team during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles. AP FILE PHOTO
LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni has resigned after less than two seasons on the job.
Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed D’Antoni’s resignation Wednesday night.
D’Antoni won 67 of 154 games after taking over the Lakers early in the 2012-13 season, replacing the fired Mike Brown.
The injury-plagued Lakers were 27-55 this season, their worst campaign in more than 50 years. Los Angeles missed the playoffs for only the third time in 38 years.
D’Antoni had one year left on his contract, but wanted the Lakers to pick up his option year for 2015-16 to have any chance of success. The Lakers apparently refused, leading to D’Antoni’s resignation.
D’Antoni also coached the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks.
