Los Angeles ? Alvin Gentry’s roster of young, talented players just kept losing, and that cost him his job as coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Gentry, who was an assistant at Kansas under Larry Brown from 1986 to 1988, was fired Monday with 24 games left in the season. Assistant Dennis Johnson replaced him.

“With Alvin, he was just too nice,” team vice president Elgin Baylor said. “Dennis’ personality is totally different. I think Dennis is more of an aggressive person.”

The Clippers were 19-39 this season under Gentry and were last in the Pacific Division. They blew 20 games when holding a fourth-quarter lead.

Johnson, 48, won three NBA titles with Seattle and Boston during his 14-year playing career. He was in his fourth season as a Clippers assistant.

“This is totally awkward for me,” Johnson said, noting that he was kept on the staff by Gentry, who replaced Jim Todd. “It’s not going to be easy.”

Johnson was an assistant with the Celtics from 1993 to 97. He began his head-coaching career with the La Crosse (Wis.) Bobcats of the CBA in 1999-00.

Considered one of the best defensive players in NBA history, Johnson was MVP of the NBA Finals in 1979.

Baylor said Johnson would be a candidate for the permanent job.

Gentry, 48, had a record of 89-133 since becoming coach before the 2000-01 season. Prior to that, he was 73-72 as coach of Detroit. He also coached Miami, in between 10 seasons as an assistant with three NBA teams.

“I know that this has been a very difficult season to endure,” Gentry said. “I wish so much that I could have gotten this team into the playoffs. I do believe we have good people and good players on this team.”

Gentry was the Clippers’ fourth coach in six seasons. The team last made the playoffs in the 1996-97 season, under coach Bill Fitch.

Adding to the Clippers’ woes have been injuries, and questions about whether owner Donald Sterling would keep the team together. Starters Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, Michael Olowokandi, Corey Maggette and Andre Miller will be free agents after the season.