Mike D'Antoni Announces Debut Against Suns, Comments on Hiring

Mike D’Antoni, the latest head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, has shed some light on when he will assume the day-to-day responsibilities of his new job and addressed the disappointment some fans feel that he was chosen over Hall of Famer Phil Jackson.

In an interview with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS FM (a Los Angeles-based radio station, h/t ProBasketballTalk), D’Antoni revealed that he will be making his coaching debut this coming Friday.  Interestingly enough, this much-anticipated introduction will take place when the Lakers face off against his former team and Pacific Division rival, the Phoenix Suns.

D’Antoni delved into other subjects with the American Idol host, including the resentment he will likely initially face for simply not being the Zen Master.

“I have some close friends who are Lakers fans and they were disappointed I got the job,” said D’Antoni.

The former Suns and New York Knicks coach also disclosed that he too was surprised by his hiring and believed Jackson was going to get the gig.

“I was thinking that Phil would take the job but it’s a funny business,” he said.

Seacrest went on to discuss more subjects that most every casual Lakers fan already has heard beaten into the ground, including D’Antoni being reunited with Steve Nash, his thoughts on Kobe Bryant and how the Lake Show must win the NBA Finals in 2013.

Until D’Antoni starts drawing up the X’s and O’s at courtside of the Staples Center, there is going to be plenty of conjecture on his ability (or lack thereof) to win with this team. He has to come out and make a big impression to win these fans over.

That could all get started as early as Friday against the 4-4 Phoenix Suns. Make sure you tune in at 10:30 p.m. ET and check back on B/R for the latest news, updates, opinions and analysis on D’Antoni’s impact on the L.A. Lakers.