Kobe Bryant breaks silence over the newly hired Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown – NBA Update
Kobe Bryant has finally spoken publically about his new head coach, Mike Brown. The Los Angeles Lakers star had so far kept mum over the appointment, at least in public, causing a lot of speculation in the Hollywood city about
a rift between player and coach.
The shooting guard has now broken the silence and delivered the message that he is OK with the new coach. However a careful examination of Kobe’s comments reveals that he is just OK, there is no real excitement or enthusiasm on
display,
“We’ve talked. We’ve met; we’ve talked several times, met several times. We have been in dialogue there has been an open dialogue.” Kobe said. “He just seems like the type of coach that buttons everything up, so I think as players
we’ll all be happy.”
Lakers management though will still consider this a victory given the circumstances surrounding the whole affair, as well as the fact that Kobe is not one to let his emotions show in public.
Brown’s appointment caused quite a stir in Los Angeles, especially with regard to his future relationship with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers star had previously gone on record, along with Derek Fisher, to voice his support for assistant
coach Brian Shaw for the head coaching job. Shaw had been with Phil Jackson both as player and coach and seemed a logical choice to continue the tradition of success the legendary coach had instilled.
However the Los Angeles Lakers management, particularly Jim Buss, had other ideas. Jim Buss is the son of Lakers owner Jerry Buss and is known to disregard other’s opinion to get his own way. He did not have a good relationship
with the now retired Phil Jackson, nor does he mingle too much with Bryant.
Jim allegedly made the decision to pick Mike Brown over Brian Shaw, and this irked Kobe. Brown is a former coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and many critics have blamed him for not being able to bring LeBron James under control.
His appointment came without consultation with Bryant. The player even wasn’t informed of the final decision and found out through the media; therefore he was understandably not happy. Although Kobe did not make public remarks,
his silence spoke loud and clear. The speculation and criticism even caused Jim Buss to admit that a mistake had been made in the handling of the affair.
Since then things have cooled down. Bryant met with Mike Brown a few times, as he has himself revealed, and the two have reportedly agreed to drop the Triangle offense in favour a new, fast paced system. Kobe will still be the
go to guy on offence though and is therefore content with things at present.
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