Johnson Isn’t in Business to Speculate

Dennis Johnson says he has a simple way of dealing with his uncertain status as the Clippers’ interim coach. He says he doesn’t give it much thought and he sleeps better at night not worrying if he’ll be named the coach for next season.

“I will not go crazy,” said Johnson, 3-7 since replacing Alvin Gentry as coach March 3. “I’ve seen it happen. I played too many years in this league to worry about a contract. I just try to coach. I love the fact that I’m the coach. I love to tell 12 people what to do. Between the lines, they have to listen to me.”

When it was suggested that he’s in a similar situation as many of the Clipper players, who can be free agents starting July 1, Johnson smiled broadly.

“Am I in the same position as everyone else?” he said, repeating a question. “No. I’m happy with what I’m doing. On paper, I guess it’s like everyone else’s situation, but I am going to get a job somewhere in the league next year.

“Do I want to stay here? Yes. The answers will come from the top. I’ll put in my work, I’ll do the draft [prospects camp] in Chicago and run the summer league team [at Long Beach State] and let whatever it is that happens happen then.”

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TONIGHT

at Utah, 6 PST, Channel 5

Site -- Delta Center.

Radio -- XTRA (1150).

Records -- Clippers 22-46, Jazz 39-29.

Record vs. Jazz -- 1-1.

Update -- The Clippers ended a 23-game losing streak at the Delta Center with a 96-89 victory over the Jazz on Jan. 22, and it’s been all downhill since. The Clippers are 6-21 since that victory, falling to the bottom of the Pacific Division standings.