Despite Rumors, Decision Surprises Lakers : Basketball: Players and staff praise Dunleavy’s accomplishments but wonder what else can happen to team.

The rumor mill had been grinding out Mike Dunleavy-to-Milwaukee reports for weeks, perhaps because it seemed like such a natural.

But when it happened--first as Dunleavy broke the news to his staff at a personnel meeting Monday afternoon, then with the official announcement Tuesday--it was shocking nonetheless.

Could any more surprises hit the Lakers?

Every time they say no, something does.

“I was semi-surprised, semi-shocked and semi-here ‘we go again,’ ” said Jim Eyen, one of three Laker assistant coaches. “But nothing negative. I’m very happy for Mike, and I hope everything works out for him. He’s a great guy.

“There’s been a lot of talk about it over the last few months, but I think surprise is a good term when all is said and done. With everything that’s happened this year, though, something else was almost inevitable. What is the official day this season is over, anyway?”

So it went as the Lakers learned of the departure of Dunleavy, their coach for two seasons, to rejoin the Milwaukee Bucks. Even all the rumors proved to be no pillow for a soft landing.

“Just disbelief,” veteran guard Byron Scott said. “He had been here for a couple years, and I thought everything went extremely well. I know Mike is a real laid-back type of person. Maybe L.A. is too fast for him, it’s too wild for him, and Milwaukee is just more his style. I tried to figure out what it would be that would take him away at this particular time. Of course, there has to be a lot of reasons. But I’m sure he’s doing the best thing for himself and his family.”

Added Bill Bertka, the Lakers’ longtime assistant: “It was quick and stunning, but knowing the ramifications, as Mike pointed out, I can understand the decision. It wasn’t an easy decision. But his parameters were based on what was best for his family, and knowing what that decision was based on, I understand it.”

Scott, saying he wanted to give Dunleavy his best wishes in person, was the only player to attend the afternoon news conference at the Forum. But others offered similar opinions.

“I was surprised, but this is professional job and we must play,” Vlade Divac said. “I’m feeling like this is my third year and it will be third coach. Even in Yugoslavia (on the national team) I have new coach. I learn a lot from Mike, and he is good coach and I wish him good luck in Milwaukee.

“The things that happen with Lakers (this season) are just bad luck. I think Mike did great job this year. I don’t have words to say right now. It’s too early.”

Said Michael Cooper, the special assistant to General Manager Jerry West after a 12-year career as a player with the Lakers: “I’m very surprised. I know it was a decision he had to make, and I know everyone’s kind of sad now. . . . I don’t know what to say. Usually I have a lot to say, but this caught everyone totally by surprise.”

Magic Johnson released a statement through the Lakers.

“Although my association with Coach Dunleavy in a player-coach relationship was brief, I knew early on that he was going to be a successful head coach in this league for a long time. It was further evidenced by his coaching job this past season, given all the adversity he faced. I want to extend my best wishes to Mike and his family as they enter this new challenge with the Milwaukee Bucks.”