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According to reports coming out of Los Angeles on Thursday, the Lakers are nearing completion in their head coaching search. Currently in the lead for the job is 2009 Coach of the Year, Mike Brown.
Brown was formerly the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005-2010. His tenure included a trip to the finals in 2007 and a trip to the conference finals in 2009.
Brown has been working as an analyst for ESPN this season after being fired by the Cavs in mid-2010.
Also believed to still be in the running are former Rockets head coach Rick Adelman and seven-year Lakers assistant Brian Shaw.
Should the talks with Brown collapse in the coming days the team is likely to instead sign Adelman. Brian Shaw had previously been backed by multiple Lakers players including Kobe Bryant. Team officials seem to think an experienced hand would serve the team more productively however.
The vacancy opened up just weeks ago, as Phil Jackson announced his retirement from coaching.
Jackson was the head coach of the Lakers for 12 years between 1999 and 2011 (one year break in 2004-05 and the Bulls from 1989-98. His career was arguably the best of any NBA head coach, racking up a record 11 championships.
There are suspicions that Jackson’s retirement may only be a short one however, with some believing he could return after a season off. Highest on the possible list of destinations is the New York Knicks, for whom Jackson played for 11 seasons from 1967-78.
Coincidently, current Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni’s current contract expires at the end of next season.
The head coaching vacancies in Golden State and Houston are still currently open, with both teams nearing decisions on the matter.
Brown is believed to be in play for the Warriors if the Lakers deal collapses and TV analysts Kevin McHale and Mark Jackson are also possibilities.
Boston assistant Lawrence Frank and Mavericks assistant Dwayne Casey are also believed to be in play for both teams.
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