ESPN: If Mike Brown Has an 'Unsuccessful' Homestand, His Job Will Be in 'Immediate Jeopardy'

"An unsuccessful homestand for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they settle into Staples Center for the next six games, would put the job of Lakers coach Mike Brown in immediate jeopardy, according to sources close to the situation. Sources told ESPN.com that the Lakers, while having publicly expressed support for Brown in the wake of a 1-4 start, have privately grown sufficiently concerned about the state of the team to the point that management is prepared to look seriously at a coaching change at this early juncture if L.A. can’t take advantage of what looks to be multiple winnable games in the upcoming stretch."

First, the opponents:

Golden State (3-2)
Sacramento (2-3)
San Antonio (4-1)
Phoenix (2-3)
Houston (2-2)
Brooklyn (1-2)

Based on my preseason predictions, there are only two playoff teams in there (Spurs, Nets). However, through the first 10 days of the season, the Warriors and Rockets look better than advertised. Based on what I’ve seen from the Lakers so far, I’m not convinced the Lakers can go 4-2 with this slate.

Back to “unsuccessful.” So if the Lakers go 3-3, is Mike Brown cooked? What if they win ugly and lose really badly but manage to go 4-2? Reminder: Steve Nash is not walking through that door.

Another reminder: the Heat started 9-8 under Erik Spoelstra in his first season and he was perceived to be a goner. He survived. They lost in the Finals. Then, they won the title the following season.

Oh, and here’s Kobe talking to the media about the Mike Brown death stare!