Lakers Rumors & News Recap: Mike Brown Has A Lot to Prove

Following some big shoes to fill, Mike Brown wasn’t given the best opportunity to show what he has as a head coach last season; the lockout cut him short of important team bonding and months of competition.

This coming 2012-2013 year will be more important than any season Brown has ever coached. Given a three-year deal worth $18 million that also contains a team option for a fourth year, Brown is getting paid a large sum of money. Too large an amount to screw up a season with a talent-packed team like the Lakers have this year.

Anything short of a Western Conference Finals appearance that has the Lakers losing in fewer than six games will probably mean that Brown will be replaced. Lakers Nation writer Andrew Ungvari lists the five best replacements for Brown if he by chance does not do well this season.

Phil Jackson is first on Ungvari’s list, however, I would disagree. I think Jackson needs to remembered for the legacy he had, and the Lakers need to give the opportunity to a younger coach with a more current mindset. I love Phil, but just like pro athletes who come out of retirement and bomb, I would be afraid to see that happen to Mr. Jackson.

One thing is for sure, Brown is excited for Howard to start playing again. Although no time frame has been announced for the center to return, he has been spotted in the Los Angeles area continuing his rehabilitation and getting back to 100 percent. Brown had this to say:

“His athleticism, combined with his power and strength, and his quickness, and energy is phenomenal,” Brown said. “I mean defensively here’s a guy, that in my opinion, is one of the best pick-and-roll big defenders in the game, to ever play the game. He’s one of the best paint protectors to every play the game. You know, just knowing that he’s down and around the basket is a deterrent.”

More Time Warner Cable news and the upcoming Lakers channel. Many of you have expressed concerns as to what is going to happen with your Laker games if you don’t have TWC. As of right now, TWC is the only provider that will carry its new channel, SportsNet. Other companies are still negotiating for rights to the channel. This will affect some of you, but can also affect the bars you choose to go to watch games. For an update analysis on the current deal, and what could happen with TWC, check out this article.

Lakers Nation sent another poll your way the past few days, and this one was on Pau Gasol. We asked “Which Lakers Star Has the Most To Prove This Season” and all of you decided it was Pau. Next in line was Dwight Howard. If you have any ideas for a questions you would like answered, leave a comment below or tweet me at @ajmoyal with your question. Have a great weekend!

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