The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly "leaning toward" keeping coach Mike D'Antoni for next season. Lakers forward Jordan Hill, meanwhile, wants a bigger role with the team if he's to re-sign with Los Angeles in the summer.
Injuries have derailed D'Antoni's first two seasons with the Lakers, and the front office seems to realize this. Despite a losing season, the Lakers are reportedly considering bringing D'Antoni back for another season.
"D'Antoni has one more guaranteed season left on his Lakers contract, and the club is leaning toward retaining him despite some privately disgruntled players and massive public disdain," Kevin Ding of Bleach Report wrote on Wednesday. "It's not clear which way the organization will go with him."
One of the "disgruntled players" is reportedly Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Sporting News reported Bryant wants a new coach next season, saying the future Hall of Famer had "no interest" in playing for D'Antoni.
Hill, meanwhile, isn't interested in re-signing with the Lakers next season if he isn't given a bigger role. He turned in big games against Orlando and Milwaukee only to find himself benched during Tuesday's 124-112 loss to Portland.
"It gets old," Hill said, via InsideSoCal.com. "It's what you can expect, though. It's not a surprise. I can't do nothing, but stay humble and continue to keep my head high and support my team."
He also indicated he doesn't want to play another season in a role similar to what he has now.
"Of course not," Hill said. "Who would?"
