If the Lakers were serious about hiring Brian Shaw, it would have already happened and they wouldn’t have given him permission to interview already for two different head coaching positions. Shaw would be perfect for a team that’s about to be “transitioned”, but Lakers GM Kupchak has made it clear that he has no intention of going in that direction.

It really makes no sense for the Lakers to rebuild right now either, as I’m sure Kobe wants no part of that and still has a couple of productive years left.

The hot rumor today here in LA is that the Lakers have started to aggressively shop Odom for a starting point guard. Reports out here on sports talk radio say that the Lakers have not contacted New Orleans about Paul though (as I’m sure that the Lakers realize Bynum would have to be part of any such deal), but have contacted Denver, Cleveland and one other team that’s already out of the playoffs.

I think that even though the Lakers are “Showtime”, their front office has grown weary of the La Mar/Kardasian distracting side show too. I bet though that La Mar will throw a major hissy if he’s exiled far, far away from Hollywood to the obscurity that is Cleveland, but then again his only alternative should such a trade occur would be to retire (as I’m sure that he has all the money that he needs by now for the rest of his lifetime).

Currently, I am leaning in your direction. If the Lakers would have won the title, I would have had no problems with Brian Shaw taking over, especially in light of the impending lockout. However, considering the Lakers disappointing postseason, I think it might be best if the Lakers looked outside the organization for their next hire.

fyi, I notice that there is another poster on this site using “hoops” as part of his name. I hope there is no confusion of who is who. I enjoy our banter, but I don’t want to be held liable for someone else’s comments.

Putting aside the glut of syrupy Shaw characters columns of late, as a rookie head coach Shaw’s simply the wrong guy to take over a team of mostly on the wrong side of 30 veteran players. We’ve seen that movie before with former Laker rookie head coach and fan favorite Kurt Rambutt and the ending wasn’t pretty.

The mere fact that the Lakers have told Shaw he’s free to seek a head coaching position elsewhere speaks volumes. Add to that that Dunleavy and Adelmen are the hot names being dropped by Lakers staffers and, well, you get the picture.

Part of the reason that Phil Jackson was so successful with the Lakers is because he was able to put Kobe in his place and get him to stop back seat driving the team. A rookie head coach is just an invitation for Kobe to ride shotgun again and do as he pleases when things aren’t going so well.