Guess who was the first person to call Chris Copeland’s agent on the first night of free agency? Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni.

Yes, the purple and gold have thrown their hat in the ring for the Knicks’ free-agent sniper. The Knicks mulled bringing Copeland in for training camp during the 2011-12 season while D’Antoni was head coach, but couldn’t work it out.

D’Antoni likes Copeland’s inside-outside, fast-paced game and feels it would be a good fit. The Lakers will have their full $5.5 million midlevel exception if they don’t re-sign Dwight Howard. The Knicks cannot match a full midlevel exception.

Washington, New Orleans and Indiana also expressed interest in Copeland yesterday. The Knicks have not contacted Copeland as they await any other firm bids. Their $950,000 qualifying offer is in place.