Updated 6:33 p.m.
Apparently, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak has refuted the report of John Calipari heading to the Los Angeles according to Chris Dufresne of the L.A. Times:
Lakers are refuting Calipari to Lakers story put out by Rex Chapman before NCAA tip: GM Mitch Kupchak says "rumor is untrue"
— Chris Dufresne (@DufresneLATimes) April 8, 2014
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The future remains uncertain for the Los Angeles Lakers franchise with some potentially drastic changes to occur over the course of the off-season. There’s little question that the Lakers front office will attempt to get the team back on track after potentially the worst season in franchise history, while current Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni’s immediate future hangs in the balance.
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There have been many conflicting reports over the last few months about the team’s intentions in terms of keeping D’Antoni moving forward. D’Antoni has one more guaranteed year on his deal with the Lakers, but some have speculated they’ll part ways this summer.
The speculation surrounding D’Antoni’s future kicked into high gear on Monday with former NBA star and Kentucky alum Rex Chapman suggesting John Calipari is headed to the Lakers next season, through his Twitter account:
Was messin' 'round on Sat nite re: Cal. But word is – win or lose 2nite – it's a #DoneDeal …Cal 2 La-La-Land 2 coach Mamba's Lakers. #NoBS
— Rex Chapman (@rexchapman) April 7, 2014
The timing of Chapman’s tweet is interesting, as the Wildcats are set to face off against the University of Connecticut Huskies on Monday night after an incredible ride to the NCAA Championship game. Chapman later tweeted that his statement regarding Calipari to the Lakers was from a “reliable source,” though that doesn’t necessarily provide any more truth to the rumor. Expect the rumors regarding D’Antoni’s future to continue to circulate over the next couple months. with little certainty about what the Lakers plan to do.
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