We’ve had quite a few reactions (Kobe, Phil Jackson, Melo & more) when the news broke that the Lakers hired Mike D’Antoni as their new head coach. Now we have video of Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol & Bernie Bickerstaff. Check out what they had to say!
Dwight Howard:
“It’s not disappointing,” Howard said when asked if he’s been let down by the rocky beginning to the much-hyped start to his career with the Lakers. “Everything happens for a reason. There’s a reason why we’ve been through so much so early in the season. I think it’s good for our team. It’s good for the chemistry. It’s good for us just to show how strong we are as individuals and as a team.”
It’s also a good sign for Lakers’ management that Howard publicly signed off on D’Antoni’s hiring Monday, even though the All-Star center said he wasn’t consulted about the decision over the weekend.
“We’re excited for D’Antoni and an up-paced offense,” Howard said. “Everything he’s done with the teams he’s had as far as how they pushed the ball and how they play in an open court, I think it will be good for Steve (Nash) and for all of us to put some points on the board.”
Nash, who won two MVP awards while playing for D’Antoni in Phoenix, has a fractured fibula in his left leg and did not practice Monday.
“It’s amazing to get a chance to play for Mike again,” Nash told ESPN. “He’s a great man and an incredible basketball mind. We had some great years together and I look forward to getting to work and building a winner here in L.A.”
–ESPN
