Anyone who watched the Lakers get dismantled by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals realized that the Lakers needed to improve on defense if they want to get back to winning championships. The coach they are apparently about to hire fits that mold, as former Cavaliers coach Mike Brown is apparently about to become the Lakers head coach. The deal is believed to be either four years, or three years with an option, worth between $4 million and $4.5 million per season.
"If Brown agrees to the deal, he'll sign a contract worth between $4 million and $4.5 million per season, the official said," said Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. "Brown would sign for three years, with a team option on the fourth season that would give him partial pay if he was not retained." CSNBayArea.com reported the deal at four years, $18 million.
What's interesting here is that the hiring was spearheaded by executive VP Jim Buss, and not general manager Mitch Kupchak. Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated said, "The move is believed to be driven by Jim Buss, the Lakers' executive vice president of player personnel and son of owner Jerry Buss, whose role was expected to increase with Jackson's departure." Turner also noted Buss preferred Brown's defensive style.
For more news on the Mike Brown signing, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more news, information, and analysis of the Lakers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.