Mike Dunleavy Sr. shows interest in Lakers coaching position

The Lakers are compiling what could be a long list of prospective coaches to replace the recently resigned Mike D’Antoni.

One name that is expected to come up is former Lakers and Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy Sr.

“Clearly, if I had an opportunity to interview with them I would definitely be interested,� said Dunleavy on his SiriusXM NBA Radio show on Thursday. “I had a great run there when I coached in the ‘90s. I interviewed the last time the job was open.

“They’re just a great organization. I have lots of friends, obviously, from the organization from when I was there last and a lot of interaction over the years because I played them so many times in the playoffs.�

Dunleavy briefly coached the Lakers (1990-1992), taking the team to the NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls. He was interviewed after Mike Brown was fired in 2012, prior to D’Antoni getting the job.

“It’s one of the premier jobs, if not the premier job in the league,� said Dunleavy. “They’ve got Kobe Bryant still on their team and he’ll be back next year healthy and I think he can play at a very high level. They’ve got cap space to use this summer to work on the team.�

The Lakers are expected to cast a wide net of candidates, but have yet to call Dunleavy.

“I have not had any contact with the organization,� he said.

If given the opportunity, Dunleavy said he wasn’t concerned about the Lakers’ rebuilding process.

“You can see the light at the end of the tunnel for them,� he said. “You see the opportunities that they have to reload between, again, high draft pick this year, cap space, and even more cap space next year.�

The Lakers (27-55) are coming off their worst season since moving to Los Angeles before the 1960-61 season.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.