NBA

D’Antoni may not sit on Lakers bench for 2 weeks

ORLANDO — It could be two weeks before Mike D’Antoni is safely allowed to coach the Lakers from the bench, according to his brother Dan D’Antoni.

D’Antoni, who still lives in Westchester, underwent major knee-replacement surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago and will need doctor’s clearance to get on the bench. Interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff said D’Antoni is expected to fly to L.A. tomorrow for his introductory press conference.

D’Antoni is expected to bring in his former Knicks and Phoenix assistants, Phil Weber and Dan D’Antoni, to L.A.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for him,’’ Dan D’Antoni told The Post. “New York was a great place to be and this is one of the top franchises in the league. It’s top end. Mike’s a good coach and they’re good players.’’

It was a major turn of events as the Lakers appeared primed to hire Phil Jackson over D’Antoni. Jackson released a statement last night, saying he was misled into thinking he had until yesterday to decide whether he wanted the job. Instead, Jackson got a call late Sunday night from Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, who told him they felt D’Antoni was “the better coach for the team.’’ Reports Jackson demanded major travel restrictions are inaccurate.

Kupchak said in a statement that D’Antoni’s “style of play’’ makes him “a great fit to help our team reach its full potential.’’

In a statement, Jackson said Lakers VP Jim Buss and Kupchak invited themselves over to his home Saturday to discuss the opening.

“I did not solicit or ask for the opportunity. But I welcomed both he and Mitch Kupchak into my home to discuss the possibility of my return to the Lakers. We talked over an hour and a half. No contractual terms were discussed and we concluded with a handshake and an understanding I would have until Monday to come back to them with my decision.

“I did convey to them I did have the confidence I could do the job. I am gratified by the groundswell of support from Lakers fans who endorsed my return and it is the principal reason I considered the possibility.’’