Lakers, Mitch Kupchak wish Eddie Jordan well at Rutgers

On Tuesday, Rutgers University officially announced the hiring of Lakers assistant coach Eddie Jordan as the Scarlet Knights’ new head coach.

Jordan, who played for Rutgers from 1973 to 1977, replaces Mike Rice, who was recently fired after a practice video became public that showed him abusing players verbally and physically.

“On behalf of the entire Lakers organization, I’d like to congratulate Eddie on his new position as head coach at his alma mater, Rutgers University,” Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement Tuesday. “A member of our 1982 NBA championship team, Eddie has been a part of the Lakers family going back more than 30 years. We thank him for his contributions both as a player and coach to our club, and wish him the best of luck with the Scarlet Knights.”

Jordan was hired as part of Mike Brown’s staff, specifically to help install a version of the Princeton Offense. Brown was let go five games into the season but Coach Mike D’Antoni kept Brown’s staff, including Jordan.

Brown is expected to return to Cleveland as head coach of the Cavaliers.

The Lakers play San Antonio on Wednesday in Game 2 in their first-round playoff matchup.

ALSO:

Abdul-Jabbar finds much to learn from reality TV

Earl Clark is an also-ran for most-improved player award

On Facebook, Bryant says image of final free throw his ‘motor’

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.