Lakers fire head coach Mike Brown

A day after Jim Buss and Kobe Bryant both came out in support of Lakers head coach Mike Brown. It’s been announced that Brown has been fired. The Lakers who went 0-8 in preseason and also lost in the second round of the playoff last year are currently in the midst of their worst start since 1993. With a record of 1-4, it was clear that Mike Brown never fully grasped control of the Lakers. Failing to make a foothold on defense, his specialty area, with the Lakers ranking 23 out of the 30 NBA teams. Which is a drop from the 13th spot they held last season.

Yesterday I suggested that Jerry Sloan or Nate McMillan would be good replacements for Brown. Another name being tossed around is former Suns and Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni. It’ll be interesting to see what approach Lakers brass will take with filling the role. No word yet on who the interim head coach will be. There are several new Assistants with the staff this season including, Eddie Jordan who has had head coaching experience in the NBA. Bernie Bickerstaff will handle head coaching duties when the Lakers play the Warriors tonight.

The Lakers have released a statement:

This was a difficult and painful decision to make,” said Kupchak. “Mike was very hard-working and dedicated, but we felt it was in the best interest of the team to make a change at this time. We appreciate Mike’s efforts and contributions and wish him and his family the best of luck.”

The Lakers have also indicated that the $11 million buyout on Mike Brown’s contract isn’t going to deter them in finding their next head coach.