If this was Kobe Bryant in 2002 I would say this would be a problem. Kobe in 2011, might be surprised that he wasn’t involved in the decision making process of hiring the new Lakers head coach, but I don’t think he would sabatoge the situation.
He knows he is running out of time to get his 6th ring and he needs to embrace whoever the Lakers hire for them to have a chance to do that.
The source close to the Lakers told SI.com that Lakers star Kobe Bryant was “surprised” by the news, and that he was not a part of the decision-making process. Bryant had been a staunch supporter of Lakers assistant Brian Shaw for the position and remains as such.
I am on record saying I think Brown would be a good hire, the Lakers need to shake things up a bit and this is a good start. Brown is smart enough to blend in what the Lakers do well on offense while implementing a better defensive structure.
Kobe will be on board, he has to be if he wants the team to be successful.