Lakers GM: Happy with D'Antoni, won't trade Howard
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said the team is "very" happy with coach Mike D'Antoni and does not plan to make any trades.
The Lakers are 22-26 and 11 1/2 games back in the Pacific Division but coming off a 98-97 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
"We're very happy with Mike D'Antoni," Kupchak told Newsday on Sunday. "I think when he took the job I think he thought (point guard Steve) Nash might be out a week or two (with a fractured left leg). Not two months. Getting everybody on the same page took a little longer than expected. Not to say it's been smooth sailing, that's for sure."
Kupchak also said the team will not deal center Dwight Howard, who was acquired in the offseason from the Orlando Magic. Howard has struggled with a shoulder injury.
"We will not make a trade," he said. "We will not trade Dwight Howard. We have no intention of making a trade. It's unlikely that we'll make any trade with any of our principal players. To make another change at this time of the year being behind the eight-ball like we are, I think that would just make it more difficult. The talent is there. We have to find our way."
The Lakers, 3 1/2 games out of the eighth spot in the Western Conference, visit the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
