Fox Sports: Lakers Offer Rudy T Head Coaching position

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2561746

 

Lakers offer job to Rudy T
/ Associated Press
Posted: 2 hours ago

With Mike Krzyzewski out of the picture, it appears Rudy Tomjanovich is in line to become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak wouldn't comment on a Houston television station's report that Tomjanovich has been offered the job, but did say the team has "identified the guy we want to hire."



"There is not a deal to announce," Kupchak said Tuesday. "We don't have a coach at this time. We hope to have a coach in a short period of time. If he becomes coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he would be a wonderful selection."


Tomjanovich, who led the Houston Rockets to NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, was offered the job Monday night, according to unidentified NBA sources quoted by KRIV. The Lakers have been without a coach since June 18, when they announced Phil Jackson wouldn't return next season.


Tomjanovich, 55, stepped down after 12 years as coach of the Rockets in May 2003 - two months after learning he had bladder cancer. He underwent treatment and served as a scout for the Rockets this season - his 34th year with the organization.


Krzyzewski announced Monday he would remain at Duke rather than accept an offer from the Lakers, reported to be for five years and $40 million.


Kupchak identified four men he has spoken with about the job - Tomjanovich, Krzyzewski, Miami Heat president Pat Riley and North Carolina coach Roy Williams.


Krzyzewski, Riley and Williams have said they aren't interested. That leaves Tomjanovich.


"Do the math," Kupchak said.


Jesse Brown, Tomjanovich's business manager, refused comment from his Houston office.


Kupchak also said others have called to express interest in the job, but wouldn't identify them.


Kupchak said he called Williams two weeks ago. He also said Williams was offered the Lakers' coaching job six or seven years ago - before Jackson was hired.


Rudy Tomjanovich led the Rockets to two titles. (Glenn James / GettyImages)



"He's been at the top of our list," Kupchak said. "He said he had no interest."


On Tuesday, Williams said he "had a general discussion with the Lakers a couple of weeks ago. I told them that I was quite happy at Carolina and was not interested in the job."


Riley issued a statement saying he wasn't offered the job and intended to stay in Miami.


Jackson coached the Lakers to three championships in five years. The announcement that he wouldn't return came three days after the team lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals.


Kupchak also said he was in constant contact with unrestricted free agent Kobe Bryant and his representatives, and there was nothing new to report on Shaquille O'Neal, who has demanded a trade.


"I'm optimistic, I have to be," Kupchak said regarding his hope of re-signing Bryant.


Bryant reportedly supported the hiring of Krzyzewski.


"I would think his response would be the same as everybody - there was a sense of disappointment," Kupchak said. "We felt if we could have brought him on board it would have been a wonderful coup for this organization."


Asked how Bryant might feel about Tomjanovich, Kupchak replied: "I wouldn't share any of our players' thoughts publicly."


Regarding O'Neal, Kupchak said: "It is time to be patient. We are being patient."


Kupchak said he met with Karl Malone, who last month opted out of his $1.65 million deal for next season to become an unrestricted free agent.


Injured during the finals, Malone underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week.


"He looked great, wide-eyed, upbeat," Kupchak said. "I think he would consider playing again."


Dwight Manley, Malone's agent, refuted reports that Malone planned to retire, saying an announcement wouldn't come until later in the summer. Malone, the NBA's second-leading career scorer, turns 41 later this month. He joined the Lakers last summer in search of his first championship after playing 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz.