An executive with the Los Angeles Lakers is denying rumors that University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari will become the next head coach of the struggling NBA team.
Therumors were floated by former UK star Rex Chapman on Twitter shortly before the Wildcats’ loss to Connecticut in Monday night’s NCAA championship game. Chapman called Calipari’s departure a “done deal.”Calipari was asked about it during the post-game press conference."The Lakers have a basketball coach, Kentucky has a basketball coach. I have the best job in the country. I’m not going to even dignify that stuff," Calipari said. The Lakers’ general manager says there is no truth to Chapman’s claims, and there have been no discussions about naming someone to replace coach Mike D’Antoni. Calipari did say he would meet with any UK players who are thinking about entering the NBA draft and give them information to help them with their decision.Among those who could turn pro are Julius Randle, Willie Cauley-Stein and twin brothers Andrew and Aaron Harrison.