As Lakers prepare for coaching search, Ettore Messina could make list
The Lakers will soon begin what could be a lengthy search for a head coach.
Mike D’Antoni resigned on Wednesday, after the Lakers’ worst season (27-55) since moving to Los Angeles.
One name the team may consider is former Lakers assistant coach Ettore Messina, who spent one season (2011-12) with the team as part of Mike Brown’s staff.
Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski recently tweeted about Messina, who is an Italian.
A candidate Lakers management and Kobe Bryant share a fondness: Euro legend Ettore Messina. He impressed as assistant under Mike Brown.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) May 1, 2014
Messina is coaching CSKA Moscow, trying to win the Russian national championship while also preparing for his 11th Euroleague final four -- Moscow is scheduled to play Maccabi Tel Aviv in Milan, Italy, on May 16.
Messina said he hasn’t been contacted by the Lakers.
“I am just glad if I left good memories of my season there,†he told The Times. “It would be inappropriate to make any comment about the situation.â€
The Lakers aren’t likely to make any decision on a coach before they learn where they pick in the 2014 NBA draft. The lottery will be held on May 20.
The Lakers have a 21.5% chance of getting a top-three selection, but a 74.4% chance that they will pick sixth or seventh.
ALSO:
Mike D’Antoni resigns as Lakers coach
Are John Calipari, Mike Krzyzewski or Kevin Ollie a fit?
James Worthy to represent Lakers at next month’s draft lottery
Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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