In Focus: Mike D'Antoni

D'Antoni dribbles during a game at the 1987 McDonald's Open in Milwaukee. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) By Andy Gray Mike D'Antoni is back.

D'Antoni dribbles during a game at the 1987 McDonald's Open in Milwaukee. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Andy Gray

Mike D'Antoni is back. After much speculation that Phil Jackson would be the next coach of the Lakers, fans woke up Monday to the news that D'Antoni was the team's choice. According to reports, Jackson was "asking for the moon" and the team decided to go in another direction. For the Los Angeles fans unfamiliar with their new coach, D'Antoni spent six years playing for the Kansas City-Omaha Kings (1973-76), St. Louis Spirits (1976-77) and San Antonio Spurs (1977-78) before moving to Italy and spending 12 seasons with Olimpia Milano (1978-90). Here are some photos of D'Antoni in action.

D'Antoni defends Norm Van Lier during a 1975 Bulls-Kings game. (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)

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D'Antoni handles the ball during a 1975 Kings-Celtics game. (Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)

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D'Antoni and an unidentified player shake hands as David Stern looks on during the 1987 McDonald's Open. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

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D'Antoni brings up the ball during a 1987 McDonald's Open game. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

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D'Antoni looks for an opening during a 1987 McDonald's Open game against the Bucks. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

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