D'Antoni wins battle of styles

The controversial decision by the Los Angeles Lakers to appoint Mike D'Antoni as new head coach over 11-time NBA championship winner and fan favorite Phil Jackson ultimately hinged on playing style, the team said on Tuesday.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said no agreement was reached with Jackson about his possible return to the franchise where he won five NBA titles and that D'Antoni's offense-minded approach was viewed as the best way forward.

D'Antoni was signed on a three-year deal for $12 million on Monday, less than 48 hours after the Lakers management had met Hall of Fame coach Jackson at his Playa del Rey home.