Lakers sign GM Kupchak to multi-year contract extension

LOS ANGELES - Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has agreed to a multi-year contract extension late in one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

Los Angeles announced its new deal for Kupchak late in the fourth quarter of a 145-130 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Kupchak had one year left on his current contract.

The Lakers' latest defeat was their 53rd of the season, matching the franchise record set in 1958. Kupchak has a wholesale rebuilding job in store with the Lakers, who will miss the playoffs for just the third time since 1976.

Kupchak has been in the Lakers' front office since the three-time NBA champion center's playing career ended in 1986. The longtime apprentice to Jerry West largely took charge of the Lakers' basketball operations after West's departure in 2000.