Brown to lead Lakers

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 roughly $18 million, according to the source. The Lakers released a statement confirming the club hopes to make Brown the 22nd coach in franchise history. Rather than promoting one of Jackson’s assistant coaches, the Lakers are changing course after an abrupt end to their two-year title reign and the long-anticipated departure of Jackson, the coach with the most championship rings in NBA history.

– Associated Press