Tue08092011

Last update04:15:46 PM

Back Pro Sports News NBA Lakers Hire Mike Brown: Is This Move Destined to Be a Slam Dunk?

Lakers Hire Mike Brown: Is This Move Destined to Be a Slam Dunk?

Written by Judd Cohen
User Rating: / 16
PoorBest 

Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach, Mike Brown , will be taking over for Phil Jackson as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.  According to Yahoo! Sports, Brown will receive a four-year, $18 million contract.  This move is a bit of a surprise, given that longtime Jackson assistant coach and Kobe Bryant approved, Brian Shaw, was thought to be the frontrunner for the job. 

The Lakers’ management decided that there needed to be a new emphasis placed on defense after their dismal showing in the playoffs, making Brown the most logical choice to captain the ship.  Brown was not only brought in for his defensive expertise, but for his ability to lead a superstar, as he did with LeBron James in Cleveland.  Brown will be able to focus on implementing an improved defensive scheme.  Something that is much needed after the Lakers watched as Chris Paul had his way with Derek Fisher, and J.J. Barea repeatedly found his way into the lane untouched (except the time he was met by Andrew Bynum’s elbow) in their short playoff run.  The Lakers have the pieces to be a superior defensive team in Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum and even an aging Kobe.  Brown will only need them to buy into his system the way LeBron and company did in Cleveland, in order for this match to work. 

An intriguing twist to this signing is the possibility of bringing in Dwight Howard to wear the purple and gold.  Howard’s arrival looks more likely now that there will be a new emphasis on defense in Laker Land.   If Howard is able to escape the nagging of Stan Van Gundy, he will be able to be applauded for his shot-blocking abilities and rebounding as the anchor of Mike Brown’s squad.

However, it remains to be seen if Brown can handle all of the unique personalities and spotlight of Hollywood as he steps in for Jackson.  At times in Brown’s career with the Cavs it seemed like LeBron was the coach, as Brown stood idly by and let James run the team.  Perhaps his time away from the bench has allowed him to reflect on how he handled his interactions with James, which will permit him to be more forceful in handling the inevitable decline of Kobe’s reign as the star of the show.  If Brown can somehow manage to keep all of the egos in check (something not even the Zen Master himself could do this season), he will be successful with this group of players.

Brown would be wise to retain Shaw (if he doesn’t leave for a head coaching position of his own), since Brown has been constantly ridiculed for his lack of offensive knowledge.  Having Shaw on the bench would allow Brown to place Shaw in charge of the offense and maintain the triangle offense that has worked so well for the Lakers under Jackson’s reign.  This move could allow each coach to focus on their strengths and would give the Lakers the best possible coaches at each end of the court. 

The only thing that remains in need of fixing is to find a point guard who doesn’t look like he’s trapped in quicksand.  With Brown now involved, if the Lakers can manage to find Derek Fisher’s replacement, they will be back in the thick of things next season. 

Comments

+3 Bryan Sprader 2011-05-30 09:01 #10
With the selection of Brown as head coach, several people dismissed the decision as not important enough to run by Kobe. With the quick exit from the playoffs already frustrating enough, a haste decision of making Brown the coach may be more dangerous than giving the Kardashians another TV show. Plus, bringing in the best big man in the NBA, will be sure to upset Gasol,Bynum, and others who may feel they are needed elsewhere. Add in Dwight as the teams new young superstar and you're bound to have those questions about 'Who takes the last shot?' among other internalized questions by Kobe followers. I find this new hire of Brown a bit problematic, just like the situation that happened this year with the Detroit Pistons. Funny thing though; former Pistons head coach Keuster is rumored to be head assistant with Brown's new Lakers. Good luck LA
Quote
+5 shep 2011-05-27 11:58 #9
You're right on the mark. Insightful.
Quote
+3 Judd Cohen 2011-05-26 18:27 #8
Quoting Willie Balk:
Mike Brown did a lot with Lebron and nothing in Cleveland. With Kobe, Gasol, and much more talent, I think the Lakershow will go far



Thanks for the comment Willie. I agree, I think Brown will be able to bring the Lakers back to a place they are accustomed to. There are too many good players on the team not to do well.
Quote
+3 Judd Cohen 2011-05-26 18:25 #7
Quoting Meryl Masor:
Very good article. I hope a lockout doesn't occur.



Thanks Meryl. I hope we have basketball next year as well.
Quote
+3 Judd Cohen 2011-05-26 18:24 #6
Quoting Tom Chieppo:
Mike Brown is a pretty good coach. I just worry about what the LA Lakers are going to look like next year if there happens to be an NBA season. There is still a possible lockout in the air. Mike is going to run the same kind of offense he did in Cleveland and that will be give Kobe the ball; and let Gasol, Dwight Howard become more of permanent role players. Will see, but I feel this kind of offense Brown is going to run will not work.



Thanks for the comment Tom. I think the reason LeBron was the only one to get the ball in Cleveland, was because he was the only guy on the team who could actually make a play. There's no way Brown will allow Gasol (or possibly Howard) to become a role player. Kobe has shown he can't carry the offense all by himself anymore. He might take over a few games a year, but he won't be the only one touching the ball for long stretches like LeBron did.
Quote
+4 General THought 2011-05-26 11:05 #5
I think this was a great move but i dont think it will bring another ring. The biggest problem with the team is that they have a roster full of superstar s (capable of leading there own team) that just stand and watch kobe...
Quote
+4 Willie Balk 2011-05-25 21:08 #4
Mike Brown did a lot with Lebron and nothing in Cleveland. With Kobe, Gasol, and much more talent, I think the Lakershow will go far
Quote
+4 Meryl Masor 2011-05-25 20:34 #3
Very good article. I hope a lockout doesn't occur.
Quote
+3 Tom Chieppo 2011-05-25 18:42 #2
Mike Brown is a pretty good coach. I just worry about what the LA Lakers are going to look like next year if there happens to be an NBA season. There is still a possible lockout in the air. Mike is going to run the same kind of offense he did in Cleveland and that will be give Kobe the ball; and let Gasol, Dwight Howard become more of permanent role players. Will see, but I feel this kind of offense Brown is going to run will not work.
Quote
+3 Byron Reyna 2011-05-25 16:50 #1
Here I thought Mike Dunleavy was ready to run the Lake Show.... I am SO disappointed.
Quote

Add comment


All Time Popular

Auburn: New "Thug U"

Must Read - Forum

NBA Finals