Mike D'Antoni hired: Lakers to have press conference Tuesday or Wednesday

Mike D'Antoni has officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers as head coach, the team announced early Monday morning. Team spokesman John Black said the team would likely hold a press conference Tuesday or Wednesday to introduce their next head coach.

The Lakers also heavily pursued Phil Jackson, but in the statement released by the team, "Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, executive vice president Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak were unanimous that D'Antoni was the best coach for the team at this time."

D'Antoni, 61, was signed to a four-year contract per multiple reports, though Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported the deal was guaranteed for three years and $12 million, with a team option for a fourth year. Black confirmed only that it was "a multi-year contract."

D'Antoni is recovering from recent knee surgery and needs medical clearance in order to travel from New York to Los Angeles. His first game could be as early as Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs, but seems more likely to be Friday against the Phoenix Suns, a team he coached for five seasons.