With the Lakers set to begin a six-game homestand tonight against the Warriors, the team's next few games could determine whether or not head coach Mike Brown keeps his job, reports ESPN.com's Marc Stein. According to Stein, an unsuccessful homestand would put Brown's job in immediate jeopardy. While the Lakers have expressed public support for Brown, the team is concerned enough that it would seriously consider a coaching change if the on-court struggles continue.
Lakers executive vice president Jim Buss said earlier this week that he has "no problems" with Brown, and that the front office will be patient to allow the head coach to work through the slow start. He did concede that the team would have to stay on top of the situation, but didn't suggest Brown was on the hot seat. According to Stein, however, the club's patience is "starting to erode."
The Lakers' six-game homestand includes matchups against four of the West's 2011/12 lottery teams, in the Warriors, Kings, Suns, and Rockets, so there should be plenty of winnable games for Los Angeles during the stretch.
As Stein notes, Mike D'Antoni, Nate McMillan, Jerry Sloan, and Stan Van Gundy are among the high-profile former head coaches who are currently on the market. Meanwhile, Brian Kamenetzky of ESPNLosAngeles.com and ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst are two of the most recent writers to address the coaching situation in Los Angeles.