A day after losing out on the battle for Alvin Gentry, Mike D’Antoni finally got his first hire to join his new assistant coaching staff. Sam Amick of USA Today reported first that Mark Madsen will have a seat on the sidelines next season.
Madsen was brought on in May as the D-Fenders’ head coach, the Lakers NBA Developmental League affiliate. However, D’Antoni has promoted Madsen to the big leagues.
Madsen’s most famous moment with the Lakers came during the victory celebration during the Lakers early 2000s dynasty where he danced his way into stardom.
Madsen is the first of two hires D’Antoni is expected to make this summer. Another candidate rumored to LA, Nate McMillan, chose the Indiana Pacers this afternoon, taking over Brian Shaw’s spot, who was recently hired by the Nuggets.
Who do you think will be the Lakers other assistant coach? Tell us down below (and no, Phil Jackson is not an acceptable answer).