Mike Brown will not be making whole sale changes to the Los Angeles Lakers – NBA Update
The new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Mike Brown, has revealed that he won’t be making too many changes to the side, that won back to back NBA World Championships, before bowing out in the second round of the playoffs last
season.
Brown, who has taken over from the legendary Phil Jackson at Los Angeles, says he has a team full of talent and pedigree and only needs some fine tweaks rather than drastic changes. The coach said he was confident he would be able
to make the adjustments required.
"I don't know if you need to change the identity too much," Brown said Thursday during a lunch interview with a handful of reporters at the Lakers' practice facility. "I don't know if you need to change the culture too much, because
this was already obviously a winning culture here.”
The Lakers possess a side stacked with talent. Since the arrival of Spanish star Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies back in 2007, Los Angeles have been right at the top of the basketball world. The Lakers have since made 3 consecutive
NBA Finals appearances, winning the last two, before their dismal showing against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals last season.
One of the things lacking from Los Angeles’ repertoire last time out was a committed and effective defence. Brown, who is known for his prowess on defence from his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is hoping he can provide the
know-how in that vital sector, and therefore help the team regain their glory.
"I think there are things I can do or bring to the table to help it and there may be some things I'll be able to learn that have already been here and have been through it. So, I think it's a win-win. ... “
He also believed he would not have many problems in motivating the side. Lakers have a roster of big names and big egos, such Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Metta World Peace (Ron Artest). The embarrassing second round playoff loss
is sure to have hurt these players in a big way and Brown knows this.
In his view, the meltdown last season will serve as an advantage to him because it can provide the extra motivation needed to get his side in the right frame of mind.
“The exciting thing about coming into this team is I don't have to say anything. These guys were embarrassed last year and they're all winners because they've been there and done that.”
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