NBA Betting News: Lakers Set to Hire Mike Brown as New Coach
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
by Bodog Sportsbook
Arguably the premier head coaching job is about to be filled by a guy that the Cleveland Cavaliers unceremoniously dumped after LeBron and Co. flamed out in the playoffs.
According to reports out of Los Angeles, former Cavs coach Mike Brown is the team’s choice to replace a retiring Phil Jackson. Brown certainly has the credentials as he led the Cavs to the playoffs in each of his five seasons there going 272-138 in the regular season, and the East’s best record in LeBron James’ final two seasons in a Cavs uniform. Brown also was the NBA Coach of the Year two seasons ago but Cleveland let him walk just to make LeBron happy.
The Los Angeles Times reported the deal on the table was for three years, with a team option for a fourth, and would pay Brown between $4 million and $4.5 million yearly. Brown was also considered a leader for the Golden State job. He brings more of a defensive mindset, and Kobe Bryant emphasized the need to find a coach who will bring a defensive identity as more important than what offense he runs.
Brown also was considered a candidate for the Golden State job. Lakers assistant Brian Shaw, a former NBA point guard, was considered the front-runner for the Los Angeles Lakers job as he had the endorsement of Kobe and most Laker players. But he had never been a head coach in the NBA and experience was important to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak. Former Rockets coach Rick Adelman also was a serious candidate for the Laker job. He could be a fall-back option if for some reason contract negotiations with Brown break down.
With Brown taking the Lakers job, it means there are currently three head coaching openings in the NBA: Golden State, Houston and Indiana.
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brian shaw - kobe bryant - lebron james - los angeles lakers - mike brown - mitch kupchak - phil jackson - rick adelman
