Lakers have yet to formally meet with coach since the end of the season.
Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni is reportedly seeking to pick up the team option on the fourth year of his current contract.
According to ESPN sources, D’Antoni has held conversations with management at the organisation over the past 10 days and has requested for them to pick up the team option.
It is understood that the motivation behind the push is in order to give the under-fire coach some authority and job security in the sense that he won’t be undermined throughout the season next year by constant speculation over his future.
However, the two parties have yet to formally meet since the regular season ended for an exit meeting, while the same sources insist that no decision on his future has been made.
As a result, D’Antoni is reportedly growing frustrated with the pace of the process as it is his growing belief that the franchise could be looking elsewhere for a coach for next season.
Despite being under contract for one more year at $4m, the Lakers hold a $4m team option on him for 2015-16, and it remains to be seen whether or not they choose to exercise it.
D’Antoni has had his issues this season despite being severely restricted by injuries, with Pau Gasol in particular publicly sharing his differences with the coach over his system and brand of basketball.
While the injuries undoubtedly played a significant role in their struggles, the Lakers will be looking to rebuild and make a comeback next season, however it has not yet been announced as to whether D’Antoni will be the man overseeing that process.
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