Kobe 'Surprised' By Mike Brown News
CBSsports.com
Royce Young
The moment word started coming out that LeBron's old coach might become Kobe's new coach, we all were wondering, "Well, what does Kobe think about that?"
I think we all kind of assumed that he was likely consulted beforehand. No way the Lakers hire Kobe's next coach -- and Mike Brown no less -- without at least asking what he thought, right?
Wrong.
According to SI.com, Kobe was "surprised" by the news about Brown and also a bit stunned that he wasn't part of the decision-making process. Kobe before had been a solid backer of assistant Brian Shaw for the head coaching position and still reportedly remains in Shaw's corner.
Shaw of course would be a bit more of a continuation of things that the Lakers had under Phil Jackson while Brown will come in and look to implement his own system and structure. For a superstar that might be looking at his final coach, I'm sure Kobe would've liked to have a say. Bryant doesn't have a ton of time left in the league and his next coach will be the man in charge of getting him to another NBA Finals. If that doesn't happen, Kobe's not going to be happy.
Obviously the Lakers wanted something new. With the way the Lakers collapsed against the Mavericks, Shaw's chances likely took a major hit. The Lakers likely saw a need for a new direction and Brown will provide them that. He's a headstrong coach that gels well with players. His weakness has always been offense but I'm sure the front office is assuming with all the firepower the Lakers have, offense shouldn't be too much of a problem.
It doesn't sound like the new Kobe-Mike Brown relationship is off to a rocky start by any means, but evidently Kobe didn't get to put in his two cents about the hire. Superstars like to have their say, especially when a decision with involve them. But the Lakers made their move and quite honestly, Brown could be a very good fit for the team. It's all about Kobe though and I'm sure Brown knows that'll be his first job: Win Kobe over.
