The Current Make-Up Of L. A. V's Basketball Athletes

Submitted By fishy-stuff
Words: 335
Pages: 2

When D'Antoni interviewed with L.A.'s brass over the phone, he had to convince them that he could tweak his famed "7 seconds or less" system to fit L.A.'s roster. Apparently, that worked out OK. “After speaking with several excellent and well-respected coaching candidates, Dr. Buss, Jim and I all agreed that Mike was the right person at this time to lead the Lakers forward,” said Kupchak. “Knowing his style of play and given the current make-up of our roster, we feel Mike is a great fit, are excited to have him as our next head coach and hope he will help our team reach its full potential” Bryant, who may have worn the No. 8 jersey to start his career because that was childhood idol D'Antoni's number in the Italian League Bryant's father played in*, told reporters that he "loved" D'Antoni after Friday night's win against Golden State. Bryant, obviously an ardent Phil loyalist, added that he fully trusted L.A.'s front office because they "always seem to make the right decisions." Kobe wasn't available after practice to address the topic … because he was using his helicopter to fly teammate Steve Blake to Orange County. Blake needed to get in to see the team's preferred ultra sound doctor after aggravating a strained abdomen in the first quarter against Sacramento. In the meantime, Howard offered his take on his new coach."We’re excited for (Mike) D’Antoni," said the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year. "It’s a fast-paced offense and everything he’s done with the teams he’s