L.A. Lakers Head Coach Mike D'Antoni resigned his post on Wednesday after less than two seasons. Rumors are already flying as to who his replacement might be. On the short list are John Calipari of Kentucky and University of Connecticut's Kevin Ollie, as well as NBA vets George Karl, Jeff Gundy, and franchise players Byron Scott and Kurt Rambis. This announcement comes just days after Donald Sterling was FIRED as owner of the Clippers.
The Lakers won only 27 games this season, and although they were plagued with injuries this year and have a roster filled with aging stars well past their prime, many blamed D'Antoni's coaching style for L.A.'s dismal performance this year.
Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol apparently had trouble adapting to D'Antoni's high energy, fast-paced style. D'Antoni was the fourth coach in three years for L.A., who failed to make the playoffs for only the third time in 38 years.
But players weren't the only ones critical of D'Antoni's approach. Lakers Legend Magic Johnson tweeted:
"Happy days are here again! Mike D'Antoni resigns from the Lakers. I couldn't be happier!"
Speaking of criticism, another HEAVYweight in the sports field saw a fair share of it this week. Donald Sterling was criticized by a number of professional athletes.
This is especially true when it comes to the Miami Heats' LeBron James. After today's practice, Lebron offered up his thoughts on Adam Silver's lifetime ban of Sterling (viaESPN):
"It's a monumental day and it's going to be remembered in NBA history. the job is still not done. It's a win, but we still need the owners to do their part... We're fighting to get an owner out of our league who shouldn't be a part of our league. No matter how long it takes, no matter how much money it costs, we need to get him out of there -- and whoever is associated with him doesn't belong in our league."
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