Well, it looks like the Los Angeles Lakers may have a new coach in mind to replace legendary head coach Phil Jackson.
According to multiple reports, former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown is the favorite to become the new head coach of the Lakers.
Brown—known as a defensive minded coach—was an analyst for ESPN this past season.
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Brown could earn between $4 million and $4.5 million per year. The length of the contract would be for three years with a team option for a fourth year.
Sources told ESPN that the deal could be finalized as early as Wednesday.
Questions surrounding the Lakers coaching hunt started even before the team played its final game this season, with many assuming that Jackson would not return next season.
Assistant coach Brian Shaw was considered a candidate, as was former Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman, according to reports.
ESPN is reporting that Brown may get the nod because of a strong interview he had with the organization.
Brown joined the Cavaliers in 2005 and was named Coach of the Year for the 2008-2009 season.
With Kobe Bryant as the face of the franchise, Brown will have another star player to manage as head coach.
A source tol SI.com that Bryant was “surprised” by the news, and wasn’t involved in the coaching hunt.
Brown coached LeBron James for five years during his time as head coach.
Although Brown had a successful regular season run with the Cavaliers, the team made it to the NBA Finals once with James leading the way.
During the 2009-2010 season, the Cavaliers had the best record in the NBA at 61-21, but Brown was fired after they lost to Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals.
After winning back-to-back NBA Championships the Lakers suffered an embarrassing end to their season when the Dallas Mavericks swept them in the second round of the playoffs.
