LeBron James endorses Mike Brown’s appointment as Los Angeles Lakers new head coach: NBA News
Since Mike Brown’s name appeared on the coaching candidate list of the Los Angeles Lakers many people have appreciated the move. But, perhaps no one of them knows Brown as well as LeBron James. The Miami Heat forward played under
the coach for five years at Cleveland and together they took the Cavs from an ordinary team to being the best in the business. Mike's work ethic revolves around the defense and it was that concept that converted the Cavs into best defensive squad of the league.
According to the sources, it is believed that the Lakers have reached to an agreement for a four year coaching stint with Brown in a deal that is worth $18 million. Although, many people have raised some eyebrows on the appointment
of Mike Brown over the ex- Houston Rocket coach and Lakers’ assistant coach Brian Shaw, LeBron James has endorsed this decision.
After Wednesday’s practice session James said, “Mike Brown is a great coach. He gave us success that we hadn’t had before in that city. It just started with his defensive concepts. He brought in a defensive mindset that we didn’t
have. … We were competitive year after year because of him and his coaching staff.
“I respect him and I’m grateful to have him as a coach throughout the years that I had him. He definitely helped me to become who I am today.”
Browns’ previous coaching tenure with the Cavaliers was a success story. With LeBron James in his arsenal, Brown guided the Cavs to two seasons with the league best record. Under his guidance, the Cavaliers made a trip to 2007
NBA Finals. The Cavs were however swept by the San Antonio Spurs that time and after losing the Conference Finals against Boston Celtics in 2010, Brown was eventually fired from his post.
When James heard that Brown is the successor of Phil Jackson, it left him completely surprised.
James said, “I was surprised to see Mike Brown’s name. I thought Mike would get an opportunity at Golden State. I was more surprised like, ‘Wow.’ I’m happy for him.”
Not just James, a lot of other people were also surprised with this accord because Phil Jackson’s assistant Brain Shaw was the tipped to be the favourite, especially after getting a public backing from All-Star Kobe Bryant and
Derek Fisher.
Miami Heat centre Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who has also played with James in the Cavaliers also termed Brown’s hiring as a very good decision. Ilgauskas recollected that he was not happy when Brown was fired. According to him, he had
played under several coaches, but what he learned from Brown was head and shoulder above the rest.
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