[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6605473

Jim Buss, Los Angeles Lakers executive and son of owner Dr. Jerry Buss, says he regrets not talking to Kobe Bryant about the decision to hire Mike Brown as Phil Jackson’s successor.

"Looking back on it, we should have contacted Kobe," Jim Buss said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that ran Saturday night. "Kobe said it was management’s job to pick a coach. He just said, ‘Defense first.’ That’s what we were doing, but we should have reached out to him."

Bryant had previously endorsed longtime Jackson assistant Brian Shaw to be promoted to the head-coaching job. The Lakers struck an agreement with Brown on Wednesday, and sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Dave McMenamin that Bryant has great respect for Brown and is on board with the hiring, despite not being consulted about the choice.

During an interview on ESPN during halftime of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday, Brown said he already had exchanged text messages with Bryant. Brown also said he’s "looking forward to getting to know Kobe and being able to work with him to go and get us a championship."

Jim Buss, Lakers executive VP of player personnel, expressed confidence that Bryant would mesh well with Brown, according to the Times report

"The way Mike impressed the three of us, I would think Kobe would be impressed as well," Buss said. "Mike is a workaholic and Kobe is the workaholic."

Buss was unconcerned about the possibility that Brown wouldn’t be able to corral Bryant’s talents for the good of the team.

"I’ve seen Kobe go off the place a few times, but I’m sure the coach will know how to handle it," Buss told the newspaper. "My dad loves Kobe and so do I; we think he has a lot left. And I know Mike has some ideas on how to elongate Kobe’s career."

The Lakers’ bid for a three-peat ended unceremoniously when the Dallas Mavericks swept them in the Western Conference semifinals.

Information from ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Dave McMenamin was used in this report.

[CalipariParticipant]

Look, the guy plays an indespensible role for the franchise, but please, he’s not the GM. At least the Lakers made the right decision, and Brown will most likely be able to slow Lebron better than anyone else. I think that the Lakers made the right decision, and Brown will lead a new era of success for the franchise.

[llperez]

I’m glad they hired brown. He represents change, defense and hard work. I’m sure Kobe will learn to like him as well

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

They need a better offense. With Fisher there he is a HUGE liability on defense. They need a new point guard. On offense they have to have a quicker, more dynamic offense using their bigs more and Kobe less. Brown iso’d LeBron in Cleveland. An LA offense centering around iso’s for Kobe would be a disaster. If I were them I would run the offense through Lamar Odom, and work inside out using Pau and Bynum then look for Kobe on curls, screen and rolls, spot up 3’s, and quick post-ups. They also need to use Shannon Brown more, maybe more as a 2 guard. Then use a defense to get out on the break centered around an attack of Odom, Brown, and Kobe. Then get some more shooters. Maybe draft DeAndre Liggins as a shooter/defender.

[torontoraptors10Participant]

They got Brown so they could contain LeBron when they face them in the playoffs next year, because we all know Kobe will come back next season hungry and they’ll consider themselves championship contenders. It’s like when Don Nelson was on the Warriors and how they dismantled the Mavericks. Brown knows LeBron very well.

[marcusfizer21Participant]

 Mike Brown is a good choice… He’s a defensive guru and really utilizes his guys well… Though I do feel sorry for Brian Shaw… I think he’s been waiting for an opportunity to come and the opportunity seems to present itself now that Jackson’s gone.. I think he’ll be a good candidate to coach the Golden State Warriors…

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

@Memphis Madness

You don’t think Brown played to LeBron’s strengths in Cleveland? LeBron is an isolation player, even more so back then. Mo Williams isn’t a pure point, but he was capable of running an offense and creating. LeBron just wasn’t comfortable playing off of the ball and he’s not a post player. Playing to LeBron’s strengths in Cleveland was putting a couple of shooters on the floor, playing a spread offense and letting him go to work. Those are still LeBron’s strengths now, but he’s finally added an off ball game and has also shown more of a willingness to go in the post.

I don’t think Brown will have too many problems in LA regarding the offense. Kobe has a complete game. Gasol has a complete game for a big. I’m sure they’ll have a more traditional offense that doesn’t revolve around isolations and clearouts.

 

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