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."
