Mike D'Antoni was hired in November 2012 by the Lakers management. The decision to hire the new coach came after an interview with Phil Jackson on the USA Today. Jackson said that the decision had come down from the late owner of the basketball team, Jerry Buss.
According to Jackson, "When I left (the interview), (Lakers owner/executive) Jimmy (Buss) was pretty happy about it and (General Manager) Mitch (Kupchak) was still saying, 'We're going to keep interviewing people,' and I think the ultimate [decision] kind of rested with Dr. Buss and he made the decision in the hospital the day after."
Jerry Buss died last February 2013 after suffering from complications related to cancer.
Meanwhile, Jackson is engaged to Jeanie Buss, Lakers co-owner and executive, said the Los Angeles Times. However, Jackson clarified that he does not have that much of an influence to the decision of the basketball management.
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