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(AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Mike D'Antoni, signing the former coach of the Suns and Knicks to replace Mike Brown.

D'Antoni got the high-profile job running the 16-time NBA champions only after the club's top brass extensively discussed the job with former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
 
The 11-time NBA champion coach met with Lakers owners Jerry and Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak on Saturday to weigh a return for a third stint on Los Angeles' bench.
 
The Lakers instead went with D'Antoni, a respected offensive strategist who coached Lakers point guard Steve Nash in Phoenix during the best years of their respective careers.

 D'Antoni was less successful during four seasons in New York, but at least restored the once-moribund Knicks to competence before resigning last March.
 
D'Antoni agreed to a three-year deal worth $12 million, with a team option for a fourth season.

His hiring comes two days after the Lakers fired Mike Brown just five games into the season.

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