Just before John Calipari set foot to coach Kentucky in the biggest college basketball game of the season, one of the Wildcats former stars predicted big things happening for his alma mater’s coach. It goes beyond winning the 2014 national championship against Connecticut.
Former Kentucky star Rex Chapman tweeted that Calipari will become the next Lakers’ coach.
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
Chapman cited no sources, nor did he provide any timetable. But no matter. The Lakers immediately refuted what Chapman reported in 140 characters.
“I spoke to [General Manager] Mitch Kupchak and he said the rumor is untrue,” Lakers spokesman John Black said. “Mike D’Antoni is our coach. There have been no conversations about any specific names for any replacement.”
The Lakers have maintained that they will not evaluate D’Antoni’s until after the 2013-14 season. He will be owed a guaranteed $4 million next season, and has a team option for the 2015-16 season.
Meanwhile, Calipari is finishing up his fifth season at Kentucky, where he also won a national title in 2012. Calipari compiled a 72-112 in three seasons with the NBA’s former New Jersey Nets in the 1990s.
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