D'Antoni as the new head coach of LA Lakers

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The Los Angeles Lakers formally introduced Mike D'Antoni on Thursday as their new head coach, replacing Mike Brown who was sacked just five games into the season.

The 61-year-old D'Antoni, who is still using crutches after recent knee surgery, immediately started talking about winning championships. 

"I'm really happy to be here, excited," D'Antoni said. "We're built to win this year, this is not a project. We have a window and we're going to try to get through it." 

The Lakers fired Brown after getting off to a 1-4 start. Interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff then came in and Los Angeles won two out of the next three. 

Bickerstaff was expected to coach the Lakers' next game Friday against the Phoenix Suns. D'Antoni will likely take over behind the bench on Sunday. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make it a good decision," D'Antoni said. "The reality of the day is I have a great group of guys."

D'Antoni was asked about the NBA club's controversial decision to choose him over Phil Jackson, who coached the Lakers to five NBA championships in two separate stints.

"I was shocked before, now that's wearing off," D'Antoni said. "Phil's a great, great coach. The reality is, I'm extremely fortunate that we went this direction and I can't wait to get started."

Seven NBA playoffs 2012 Stories

The NBA playoffs have started, and there's been plenty of drama already. As usual, there's the assortment of horrific injuries, personal problems, and the single-minded desire to win.

We've picked out seven of the most interesting storylines to develop so far. Enjoy!

 

What happens to the Bulls without Derrick Rose?
Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls were looking forward to finally playing together for an extended period of time. Fortunately for the Bulls, their star was back and looking to be in good shape as the playoffs started.

Unfortunately, he blew out of knee in game one of the first round series between Chicago and Philadelphia, and is out for the rest of the season. 

Can the Bulls rally and still make a run? Or are they doomed without last year's most valuable player on the floor?

Will Kobe get his sixth title?
Kobe's still chasing Michael Jordan's six NBA titles, and this is the last postseason before his decline as an athlete begins. It's hard to imagine that Kobe should be in decline, but he's already 33 years old, and has been playing in the league since 1996. All of those miles on his joints, as well as the injuries he keeps shrugging off, are going to catch up soon.