NBA Update: Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss leaps to the defence of his son
After the decision of the Los Angeles Lakers management, to hire Mike Brown as the replacement for the retired legend Phil Jackson became public, most Lakers fans and columnists criticized the selection heavily. Mike Brown was
the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the LeBron James era, and what stuck out from that time was his failure to win an NBA World Championship.
For the Lakers, the second most successful franchise in NBA history, the NBA title is a must and hiring Brown means that the Lakers have selected an individual, who doesn’t know what it feels like to be on the top. As such Brown’s
pedigree continues to come under scrutiny and the man who is facing the most heat, is the Lakers’ Executive Vice President and son of owner Jerry Buss - Jim Buss. Buss is perceived by many as the master mind behind the decision.
The younger Buss has a history of unpleasant relationship with Phil Jackson, which did not endear him to the fans. After rumours started doing rounds that Kobe Bryant, the star of the Lakers side, was not happy with the appointment,
Buss came under even more fire from all quarters. It culminated with Jim Buss admitting that he made a mistake by not taking Kobe on board before appointing Brown.
"Looking back on it, we should have contacted Kobe," Jim Buss had said.
Brown has since held talks with Kobe Bryant and told him his vision for the team and seemed upbeat about working with the five-time NBA World Champion.
Now, Lakers owner Jerry Buss has come out to defend his son. The elder Buss has rejected the idea that Jim made the decision by himself and should therefore be held responsible for it. Jerry stated that the organization made the
decision together and had confidence in Mike Brown. He stressed that there is no need for vitriol to be spilt in the direction of his son.
"I could not understand that," the elder Buss said regarding the criticism his son has faced. "Where everything came from was beyond me.”
"Jim and I and [GM] Mitch Kupchak made that decision jointly. We were all at every meeting from the beginning to the end, and suddenly it was on Jim's shoulders. Mitch didn't get accused, I didn't get accused, where that all came
from I have no idea, nor does he.”
Jerry was speaking while sitting alongside his three sons including, of course, Jim as well as Joey and Jesse Buss.
Buss also talked about the decision to hire Mike Brown. He said that the former Cleveland Cavaliers coach was not the prime candidate at first, but won over the Lakers management with his preparedness and vision for the franchise,
"I liked his Xs and Os and his vision for our future. Very few people understand that our job is to try to remain on top forever. He likes that philosophy and I like that.”
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