This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Lakers introduce new coach Mike Brown
Head coach Mike Brown of the Cleveland Cavaliers calls out instructions while playing the Boston Celtics during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 1, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio.
(
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
)
Listen
1:54
Lakers introduce new coach Mike Brown
Lakers introduce new coach Mike Brown
The Lakers introduced the team’s new head coach today.
Mike Brown, 41 – former coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers – acknowledges he has the toughest shoes to fill, in replacing 11-time NBA championship winning coach Phil Jackson.
Brown was expected to sign a deal worth $18 million over four years. Lakers officials say they wanted to bring new energy to the team.
Brown won honors as coach of the year in the '08-'09 season with the Cavs. But he was fired the next year. He spent last year talking basketball as a television sports analyst.
Jackson had been grooming his assistant Brian Shaw to take over the head coaching job, and Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant publicly endorsed Shaw as well.
Jackson brought the Lakers to five NBA championships in 11 seasons. The coach known as the Zen master also won six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
