Mike D’Antoni to miss game because of energy, safety concerns
The wait continues for Mike D’Antoni’s Lakers debut.
The newly hired coach was sidelined a second game because of knee-replacement surgery.
D’Antoni hoped to coach Sunday against Houston but cited concerns about his energy level. The team was also concerned about his lack of mobility in case players crashed into him during the game.
D’Antoni planned to watch the game from the Lakers’ locker room.
“I’m a little disappointed,†he said. “I’m anxious to get out there and get ready to go. The biggest problem I have is just the energy waning toward the end.â€
Bernie Bickerstaff will be the Lakers’ coach for a fifth consecutive game. The Lakers were 3-1 under him coming into Sunday’s game.
D’Antoni said he hoped to coach Tuesday against Brooklyn or Wednesday against Sacramento.
He signed a three-year, $12-million deal last Sunday. He replaced Mike Brown, who was fired Nov. 10 after the Lakers’ 1-4 start.
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