Mike D’Antoni says Lakers lucky to get Kaman, Young in free agency

The Lakers have limited spending power but Coach Mike D’Antoni likes the team’s recent acquisitions of Chris Kaman and Nick Young

“I’m excited about it,” D’Antoni told HoopsWorld.com earlier in the week in Las Vegas. “I think that [General Manager] Mitch [Kupchak] did an unbelievable job ... of getting the best available two guys who can really score and can play. We got lucky. I’m really looking forward to coaching them.”

Center Kaman accepted a one-year deal from the Lakers for $3.2 million. Swingman Young signed a two-year deal at the minimum with a player option on the second season.

The Lakers have also added forward/guard Wesley Johnson, re-signed center Robert Sacre and have a deal pending with point guard Jordan Farmar. Second-round pick Ryan Kelly (48th) is also likely to sign before the season as well.

D’Antoni should get his first full training camp with the team after joining the Lakers midseason last year, replacing Mike Brown who was fired after five games.

“We haven’t had [a training camp] in about three years because we had a [lockout] before that,” said D’Antoni, who previously coached the New York Knicks. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Steve Nash is still recovering from hip, hamstring and back injuries but is nearly through the rehab process. Kobe Bryant is working his way back from a torn Achilles.

“Steve is doing well, getting to 100%,” said D’Antoni. “Kobe woks harder than anybody I’ve seen. He’s ahead of schedule.”

Bryant was declared out for six to nine months from his April 13 surgery. It’s unclear if he’ll make it back by opening night or return in November or December.

ALSO:

Forbes ranks Lakers as 31st-most valuable sports team

Chris Kaman surprised and happy to be back in Los Angeles

Nick Young’s Lakers contract is for two years with player option

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.