Los Angeles Lakers Deny That John Calipari Will Replace Mike D’Antoni

Former Kentucky Wildcats star Rex Chapman started a rumor that spread like wildfire Monday night, with a tweet claiming it was a “done deal” that John Calipari would take over for Mike D’Antoni in Los Angeles next season. The Lakers say there’s no truth to any of it. Per the OC Register:

“I spoke to Mitch Kupchak and he said the rumor is untrue,” Lakers spokesman John Black said of a tweet from former Kentucky and NBA guard Rex Chapman. “Mike D’Antoni is our coach. There have been no conversation about any specific names for any replacement.”

Before Kentucky’s 60-54 loss to Connecticut in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Chapman posted on his Twitter account, “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.”

Asked about Chapman’s tweet after the game, Calipari said, “The Lakers have a basketball coach. Kentucky has a basketball coach. I’m not going to dignify that.”