Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni resigned Wednesday after the Lakers declined to pick up the team option on his contract for the 2015-16 season, USA Today Sports reports. Following the news of D'Antoni's resignation, former Lakers star Magic Johnson expressed his happiness on Twitter.
D'Antoni's job security heading into the offseason was uncertain, but the Lakers were reportedly leaning toward bringing him back next season. D'Antoni's agent, Warren LeGarie, though, told USA Today Sports his client has resigned and would not be returning next season.
"We've hit an insurmountable impasse, and Mike will no longer be the Laker coach," LeGarie said on Wednesday.
ESPN confirmed the Lakers' decision not to pick up the team option for the 2015-16 season led to D'Antoni resigning.
Per ESPN:
"Last week he asked them to pick up the team option on the final year of his contract in order to empower him to coach the team without constant speculation about his job status.
"But, sources said, when the Lakers said they were unwilling to do that, the team and his representatives began working out a solution that was amenable to everyone. The Lakers and D'Antoni agreed on a settlement that will pay him more than half of the $4 million he was owed for next season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation."
Myriad injuries marred D'Antoni's two-year stint with the Lakers. General manager Mitch Kupchak acknowledged as much in a statement issued Wednesday night.
"Given the circumstances, I don't know that anybody could have done a better job than Mike did the past two seasons," Kupchak said. "On behalf of the Lakers, we thank Mike for the work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude that he brought to the team every day. We wish him the best of luck."
Both Lakers stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol reportedly wanted D'Antoni out, and one former Lakers star wasn't reticent to share his excitement upon hearing news of the coach's resignation.
"Happy days are here again! Mike D'Antoni resigns as the Lakers coach," Johnson tweeted Wednesday night. "I couldn't be happier!"