Because Mike D'Antoni coached them last season.
Now that their search for a new head coach is officially underway, the Lakers are turning over every rock, looking at and interviewing multiple candidates, hoping they find the right man for a job steeped in hardships and exposure.
In addition to Lionel Hollins, Byron Scott, Kurt Rambis and Mike Dunleavy, the Lakers' coaching quest has led them to Gentry, according to the Los Angeles Times' Broderick Turner:
After talking with Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak by phone Friday, Gentry has an interview with Kupchak and vice president Jim Buss on Wednesday to talk about replacing Mike D’Antoni, according to several NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. ...
The Lakers became more interested in talking with Gentry after speaking with several coaches and executives who raved about Gentry’s offensive philosophy, according to one executive.
Interviews at this point aren't to be interpreted as ironclad presages. The Lakers are in the early stages of their hiring process. Face-to-face meetings imply interest, not done deals.
For Gentry, though, it doesn't really matter what sit-downs mean. They could be trivial, they could be significant—whatever. He's not going to get this job.
Not when he's a walking reminder of a coach the Lakers just left behind.
Respectable Resume
Unlike some of Los Angeles' other candidates—Dunleavy and Rambis, for instance—Gentry isn't long removed from his last head-honcho position.
Most recently, he served as an assistant under Doc Rivers with the Los Angeles Clippers. Before that, he spent bits and pieces of five seasons guiding the Phoenix Suns. And prior to that, he had stints with the Cli...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
