Lakers still undecided about D'Antoni's future

Ramona Shelburne: Lakers insist they have not made decision on D'Antoni yet. They haven't met formally yet, but he is pressing them for resolution. As we mentioned a few weeks ago, D'Antoni's been strong in telling the Lakers he'd have a hard time succeeding under same conditions nxt yr.

Sam Amick: This was always a two-way street, this dialogue between the Los Angeles Lakers and their embattled coach, Mike D'Antoni.

It wasn't just about whether they wanted him back, but whether he wanted to be there for the final seasons of the three-year deal worth approximately $12 million that includes an option in the fourth year. The crucial kicker, both literally and figuratively, is the option which is currently a key factor in whether he'll return.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, D'Antoni is has some concerns about returning as a lame-duck coach and is pushing for the 2015-16 option to be picked up. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the discussions.

t's unclear whether D'Antoni will return if the Lakers maintain their current stance that they don't plan on picking up the option, but the fact that he would like that sort of security should surprise no one who has watched these last two seasons unfold. The former Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks coach was brought in to spice up an offense that had no shortage of weapons when he first arrived early in the 2012-13 season, with Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard and the rest at his disposal back in those brief halcyon days.

Mark Heisler: Ready for Mike D’Antoni III? After 10 days of soul searching, the key figures in Lakers management are agreed on bringing back D’Antoni for a third season as coach, a source with knowledge of the deliberations told the Register.

Keeping D’Antoni, of course, would be unpopular among Lakers fans, united in their desire to see him fired and Jim Buss resign.

The Lakers aren’t commenting, but Jimbo’s not planning on leaving. With Pau Gasol making no secret of his dissatisfaction and Kobe Bryant reportedly in favor of a change, D’Antoni was widely expected to be fired.

But one thing you’ve got to love about the Lakers – I do, anyway – they don’t always do the easy thing.

D’Antoni took himself out of the running for the Marshall University coaching job last week, which went to his brother, Dan.

However, reports from West Virginia that the Lakers told Mike he was returning are incorrect.

D’Antoni decided he didn’t want to return to Marshall, where he once starred, in any case.