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?Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis (L) wears a 1970's style moustache and glasses as he sits with coach Phil Jackson during their NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in Los Angeles, December 30, 2007.[Xinhua/Reuters File Photo] |
Los Angeles Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis reached an oral agreement with the Minnesota Timberwolves to become the head coach of the NBA team, media reported Sunday.
Rambis and the Timberwolves are completing details of the contract, which is expected to be announced early this week, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations on the condition of anonymity.
Timberwolves president David Kahn said in a text message he met with Rambis' agent Sunday but has yet to conclude the deal. The selection ends a seven-week search after Kahn decided in June not to keep its coach Kevin McHale.
Rambis was one of three finalists, with TV commentator and former NBA star Mark Jackson and Houston assistant Elston Turner.
The 51-year-old Rambis has the most head coaching experience of the group. He has been a Lakers assistant for 10 years, was their head coach in the lockout shortened 1998-99 season and has filled in on several occasions for Lakers' coach Phil Jackson.
The Wolves have not made the playoffs since Kevin Garnett led them to the Western Conference finals in 2004. They have won just 46 games in the last two seasons and have changed coaches four times in the last five years.
( Agencies via Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2009)
