The decisions, such as the hiring of new L.A. Lakers head coach Mike Brown, have been debated, discussed, studied and analyzed every which way as the basketball world looks for answers during an offseason without any on-the-court action.
And no doubt these decisions were made by Lakers management in the best interest of the organization, be they basketball, financial, operational, long-term or strategic reasons. After all, that is the job of management.
So, I certainly am not challenging the substance behind these decisions.
But it has become evident—from recent interviews with former employees—that Lakers management has completely mishandled the execution of their personnel and employee decisions in a way that casts a rather cold and callous light on the new Lakers management regime under Jim Buss.
A regime whose treatment of loyal employees should be considered shameful and unforgivable.
We begin with an interview Brian Shaw had with 710 ESPN Radio a few weeks back. The long time Lakers assistant coach, who had been publicly endorsed by Lakers stars Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher to be the next Lakers head coach, was given an interview for the head coaching position. The Lakers instead chose Mike Brown.
Said Shaw, of the coaching decision:
"I wasn't really told anything. Unfortunately, I found out about not getting the job and who was hired for the job on ESPN. I didn't really talk to anyone for about three weeks after that."
Shaw, a former Laker player and coach and a devoted steward to the Lakers franchise for 12 successful years, was left out in the cold.
Sure, he wasn't considered—in the view of Lakers management—as the best replacement for Phil Jackson as the next head coach. And that ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
