Although the Los Angeles Lakers (4-5) have to yet to take the court with new head coach Mike D'Antoni on the sidelines, the team has already began to adapt to his offensive strategies. The built-to-win Lakers will set their sights on .500 for the first time this season when they visit the Houston Rockets (4-5).

Los Angeles recently made the move to hire D'Antoni amid reports that legendary leader Phil Jackson was close to being brought back. D'Antoni is currently on crutches recovering from a knee replacement surgery he received earlier in the month, which has postponed his arrival in Los Angeles

The former Phoenix and New York coach spoke to ESPN about his excitement to be a part of such a talented roster amid the big city of LA.

"This is a great city to have an up-tempo, exciting game that has a legitimate shot to win a championship. I can't ask for anything more," he said.

D'Antoni coordinated a team practice for the very first time on Thursday and began implementing his free-flowing style of play. However, he wasn't courtside for the matchup versus the Suns on Friday night.

Although interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff was still leading the team, the Lakers did sprinkle some of D'Antoni's offense into the game against Phoenix, in which they posted their highest point total of the season in a 114-102 victory.

Power forward and long-time Laker Pau Gasol gave his take on the team's newly incorporated attack

"Not as many post-ups. More transition and quicker shots, I guess ... We played pretty simple basketball and just played off each other," he said.

CLICK HERE to watch the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Houston Rockets via free live stream. Coverage of the game is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. PST on Sunday, Nov. 18.

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