Coaches Shouldn't Be to Blame for Poor Player Performances

Recently, Hall-of-Famer Magic Johnson made some ominous comments regarding Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown's future. 

Johnson said on ESPN that if the Lakers lose Game 7 to the Denver Nuggets, Brown will be done as the head coach after only one season.  He also said Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will most likely be out as well.  The Lakers organization, however, have made a statement standing behind Brown and providing their support. 

Last season, the Lakers went on to the second round where they got swept by the defending champion Dallas Mavericks.  Los Angeles would definitely take a step back if they are exited in the first round of the playoffs.  However, the problems the Lakers have dealt with are not Brown's fault. 

The struggles the Lakers have been dealing with are not Brown's fault, nor that of star player Kobe Bryant.  The fault lies on the role players. 

Bryant has been giving his all in the series, averaging more than 30 points per game and playing one game with an upset stomach.  Is it Brown's fault that former champions are putting up numbers such as three points, three rebounds on one for 10 shooting?  Is it Brown's fault that seven footers are struggling to find their game during crucial moments? Bryant's fed up, the Lakers are fed up and coach Brown is fed up.

To say this is all Brown's fault after 66 games of coaching the Lakers is blasphemous.  Brown has had success coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The same Cleveland Cavaliers squad that had one superstar and a bunch of average players. 

This is how the NBA works nowadays.  If a team has struggled, it is usually the coach to go.  When in doubt, blame the coaches.  The Lakers have won a championship not too long ago, and these players have the experience to do it again.  Usually a Lakers team is not one to give up a 3-1 lead in the postseason. 

If the Lakers do not win game 7, chances are Brown will be gone.  Changes will be made knowing the Lakers organization and their dedication to winning.  However, what we have seen thus far out of  LA is nothing more than a team with no pride. 

Could some of the blame be placed on Brown?  Sure, without question.  He did do some things that were not the best for the team this season.  That being said, he's had some shoes to fill trying to rebuild the legacy the Lakers had with Phil Jackson. 

Obviously, the Lakers organization will do what is best for the future.  If that is removing Mike Brown from the team, then so be it.  However, the demise of this team should not all be on his shoulders.