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Lakers reach deal with brown

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-27 08:03

The Los Angeles Lakers reached a deal in principle with former Cleveland coach Mike Brown on Wednesday to succeed Phil Jackson, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions.

Brown will get a four-year deal worth about $18 million, according to the person who spoke to the Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the Lakers hadn't yet formally hired Brown.

The Lakers released a statement later on Wednesday confirming the club hopes to make Brown the 22nd coach in franchise history.

"We've met with Mike and are very impressed with him," said the statement issued by the Lakers' public relations department. "In addition, we have an outline for an agreement in place and hope to sign a contract within the next few days."

With a strong interview last weekend, Brown jumped to the front of the line of candidates for the daunting challenge of succeeding the 11-time NBA champion Jackson with one of the NBA's iconic franchises. The Lakers' 16 NBA titles trail only the Boston Celtics' 17 in league history.

Associated Press

(China Daily 05/27/2011 page24)