Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni and Marshall reportedly have a "mutual interest" in each other. With Lakers star Kobe Bryant reportedly wanting a new coach, D'Antoni appears likely to wind up coaching at his alma mater next season.
Injuries over the last two seasons derailed any hopes D'Antoni had of turning the Lakers back into a championship-contending team. Amidst a losing season and reports Bryant wants D'Antoni out, D'Antoni may become the next coach at Marshall, where he played from 1970-73.
Marshall reportedly reached out to D'Antoni about taking over the basketball program, and according to Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports, D'Antoni is interested.
"I would think his days are numbered based on Kobe saying he had no interest in playing for him next year," a source told Borzello. "If he isn't with the Lakers, I believe he will be at Marshall because there is mutual interest."
When asked about returning to Marshall, D'Antoni neither confirmed nor denied it.
"I hear from them all the time," D'Antoni said on Thursday after the Lakers' loss to Milwaukee, via CBS Sports. "I'm the head of their capital [fundraising] campaign. I'm close friends to them. Whatever they need, I try to do it. But ... who knows."
Sporting News first reported Bryant's desire to have a new coach next season, saying the future Hall of Famer had "no interest" in playing for D'Antoni.
