SPECIAL EDITION

The move is not a real surprise
The Lakers fired Mike Brown after the team started the season 1-4. History says I wanted Brian Shaw after Phil Jackson. The word was Jim Buss didn’t, Buss wanted a departure from the Jackson philosophy of basketball. He thought Shaw might be a Jackson clone and no real change. So he hired Mike Brown, hired Brown without any input from Kobe Bryant. There are several who say “Buss is the owner why is it necessary to consult Bryant?” My answer you are correct however the star athlete should have at least been given a heads-up. I watched from a distance as Mike Brown was hired to coach the Cavs. His was to lead LeBron and crew to an NBA Championship. Whether it was his fault or not he never managed to guide the Cavs to the height owner Dan Gilbert and fans expected. We know of course what eventually occurred in Cleveland Brown was terminated. Again I wasn’t pleased with the Brown hiring initially but made the assumption Laker management knew what they were doing. In a labor shortened season they still made the playoffs but were eliminated by the Thunder. Team upgrades were required and Mitch Kupchak met with much success over the summer.

The acquisition of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard many Laker fans were looking forward to a championship season. Then the Princeton offense was brought to training camp, the Kings ran it at one time when they were really good. There was a question in the back of my mind---why? You have one of the best distributors in the game with Steve Nash why was the Princeton necessary? Again I went along with the coach assuming he was aware of the risks and rewards. Why did his firing come so early, I made what appeared to be excuses, new offense new teammates. It’s clear the 0-8 preseason followed by a 1-4 regular season start probably sealed Mike Brown’s fate. With the blockbuster summer moves Laker fans expectations went from sky high to “what’s wrong with this team?” The team will probably operate with an interim coach the balance of the season but hire a permanent coach after the season. Those I like, Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan and Brian Shaw. My exclude list for now only contains one name, Mike (no defense) D ‘Antoni.