Macdonald, Ireland get new gigs

Bill Macdonald will take over for Joel Meyers as the Lakers' new TV play-by-play announcer, joining longtime analyst Stu Lantz. John Ireland will be the new radio play-by-play announcer, replacing Spero Dedes and joining Mychal Thompson. Macdonald has had a variety of jobs and filled in when Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006. Ireland also has had a number of broadcasting gigs, including as sideline reporter on Lakers' broadcasts on KCAL-Channel 9. Meyers contract ended after the season and he was not asked back. Dedes is a rising star, doing play-by-play work for the NFL Network and college basketball games for CBS.