The San Antonio Spurs have given the Los Angeles Lakers permission to interview lead assistant coach Ettore Messina.

Messina joined the Spurs' coaching staff in 2014 after previously coaching CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid, Benetton Treviso and Virtus Bologna. He also served as a consultant for the Lakers for the 2011-2012 season under head coach Mike Brown. Messina is also the current head coach of the Italian men's national basketball team, a position he previously held from 1993-1997.

It is unclear when the Lakers plan to interview Messina.