Ex-Kentucky star Rex Chapman: John Calipari is ‘done deal’ to Lakers

ARLINGTON, Texas — Nothing like putting out a juicy oh-by-the-way rumor before the biggest college basketball game of the season.

But former Kentucky star Rex Chapman tweeted before Monday night’s national title game that Kentucky Coach John Calipari will be the next coach of the Lakers.

Chapman doesn’t site any sources or offer any timetable. Calipari said this week he was probably going to need his hip replaced shortly after Monday night’s title game between Kentucky and Connecticut.

The Lakers denied have any conversations with Calipari.

“I spoke to [General Manager] Mitch Kupchak and he said the rumor is untrue,� Lakers spokesman John Black said. “Mike D’Antoni is our coach. There have been no conversations about any specific names for any replacement.�

Calipari had a 72-112 in three seasons with the NBA’s New Jersey Nets in the late 1990s.

Calipari is completing his fifth season at Kentucky. He led the Wildcats to the national title in 2012.

Is this Chapman just trying to gain Twitter followers, or does he know something?

Staff writer Mike Bresnahan contributed to this post.
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