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Gary Payton as an assistant? Wow, can't see that. I'd definitely take Shaw over Scott if I was a Laker fan though.
with eleven championships, the best playoff winning percentage of all-time and the most wins in franchise history, phil jackson's shoes will be very tough to fill following this season.
But with that said, there are few jobs in professional sports more attractive than head coach of the los angeles lakers, especially with the current state of the team. With kobe bryant, pau gasol, andrew bynum, lamar odom, ron artest, and steve blake each locked up for at least two more seasons after this year, the team's veteran core will be intact and likely contending for yet another championship despite being under new management.
Inheriting a roster this talented is every coach's dream, and there will be many candidates interested in the position once it becomes available this summer. While the lakers are focused on this season, the team has started planning for life after jackson so that they're prepared come this offseason.
While some believe that jackson may be interested in returning next season should the schedule be significantly shortened due to a lockout, the lakers aren't crossing their fingers. Jackson has made it clear that this is his final season, both privately and publically, and health issues nearly kept him from returning this year.
When jackson announced his return last offseason, the prepared statement read, "it'll be the last stand for me, and i hope a grand one." the lakers will make every effort to keep jackson on the sideline next season, but have other, more realistic, options as well.
Several scenarios have been floated out as to how the team would fill the void left by the legendary coach.
One possibility is signing a high profile coach that has recently been fired elsewhere. byron scott refers to the los angeles lakers' gig as his "dream job" and should he be relieved of his duties in cleveland, there's no question he would be on the first plane to los angeles. Scott grew up in california and spent eleven years with the lakers during his playing career. While the cavaliers signed him to a three-year contract over the summer, the team's struggles could lead to his firing which would allow him to pursue the job he has been eyeing since his coaching career started taking off.
After being fired by the charlotte bobcats earlier this season, larry brown is another name that has surfaced. At seventy-years-old, there are questions whether or not brown wants to continue coaching, but the opportunity to take over a championship-caliber team could help make his decision easier.
However, the most realistic option is turning the franchise over to lead assistant brian shaw. After nearly accepting the head coaching job in cleveland, shaw withdrew from consideration which led to scott's hiring.
Many league sources believe that jackson and the lakers would feel the most comfortable handing shaw the keys to the franchise because there wouldn't be a philosophical shift or drastic changes. Shaw is comfortable with the personnel and has developed close relationships with many of the players in his eleven years with the organization. Shaw, like scott, also grew up in california and played for the lakers throughout the course of his career.
Should shaw get the job, don't be surprised if he fills out his staff with fellow assistants and possibly fellow oakland native and good friend gary payton, according to league sources. This option would provide the lakers with the most familiarity as they try to pick up where they left off with jackson as perennial contenders.
The lakers will have a decision to make this summer and while the replacement will have huge shoes to fill, the talented roster and winning culture in los angeles should help the next head coach get off to a running start.
read more nba news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/story.asp?...#ixzz1arlmjsdz
Gary Payton as an assistant? Wow, can't see that. I'd definitely take Shaw over Scott if I was a Laker fan though.
Larry Brown. He's like Rasheed Wallace:::they both hate us. It's personal with them.
I'd take Shaw too, but, only if Scott is "naturally" unavailable.
For Buss to beg the Clipper's to hire Jerry West as an consultant?
Larry Brown No. B-Scott No. B-Shaw is the way to go,and Gary Payton as a assistant coach,damn lol we have enough personalities on this team
Aren't we still paying Rudy on that five year contract for christ sakes? Put him back in harness.
LA life after phil:
LA life after phil:
Phil Jackson's next book is going to be epic..tough act to follow though IMO..
Especially when after he last book he had to beg Kobe for a job.
tee, hee.
Why are you lying?
After Kobe crying and missing the playoffs, and Phil calling him UNCOACHABLE, the Lakers had to beg Phil to come back and offered him a crazy 10 mil a year salary just to coach. 10mil a year to coach. Then it was reported in the news that it was what Kobe wanted.
Didn't think you were a bold faced liar, Culburn
The Heat would spill seed in their pants to get the Zen Master...perfect fit for them
Never say never...
Phil came back, hat in hand, beggin' Kobe to sign off on the contract.
Kobe, being the gracious one, signed off.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe needed Phil ... but no way Buss signs off on that deal without kobe's blessings. They got rid of Shaq PARTIALLY because of Kobe ... (Buss had no love for him at that point was a bigger factor Mitch did not want to do it but had to ..) you think he would swallow paying 10 million if Kobe didnt drive it?
The reason they paid Phil so much once Kobe asked Buss had to meet his asking price ...
Unless Riley resigns as GM, Phil won't go anywhere near Miami. He hates Riley IIRC. Plus they have a top 3-5 coach in Eric Spoelstra (no sarcasm intended).
tbh, Phil always likes to coach the best player in the league: Jordan, Shaq, Gasol... now that guy is clearly Lebron. That's why I'm saying I wouldn't be surprised if he bites on something like that.
Pau best player in the league? ... LOL that had to be the best line all day on the forum ...bravo!!
the lengths people will take to hate on here ... is hilarious.
Plus he signed to coach the Lakers before the collusion, so was it a conspiracy or is Phil using the "force" to see the future?
They don't call him the Zen Master for nothing, tbh
they should bring Magic back in to coach. He was always so positive.
Be so great if Larry Brown went to LA and crapped on that team.
Brian Shaw has this job locked unless Coach K suddenly changes his mind and considers the several Laker pitches for him to become head coach
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