L.A. Lakers: Could 2013 Be Mike Brown's Last Chance as a Head Coach?

Next season just might be the last time we see Mike Brown as an NBA head coach.

Brown had chances to deliver a title during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but failed to get it done, despite having LeBron James. He came up short with the Los Angeles Lakers this year as well.

This season was Brown’s first in L.A., replacing 11-time champion Phil Jackson.

He guided the team to a 41-25 record (third-best in the Western Conference) and a trip to the semifinals, where they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games.

Although Brown had a successful year, many Lakers fans believe he's an awful coach and has no business being on the sidelines for an NBA ball club.

Sure, he may not be on the same level as a Gregg Popovich or Doc Rivers, but he's not awful. It's hard to label someone awful whose resume includes an NBA Coach of the Year Award (received in 2009 with Cleveland). 

In addition, an awful coach couldn’t lead a squad that has a non-existent bench to the third seed in the Western Conference, while replacing arguably the greatest coach in NBA history.

The Lakers will likely have a much improved roster next season, which could certainly help save Brown’s job.

There’s a chance that Deron Williams, this summer’s biggest free agent, could be acquired in a sign-and-trade deal involving Pau Gasol, who’s had back-to-back disappointing postseasons for the Lakers. Or maybe Steve Nash ends up taking a pay cut to come to Los Angeles.

Both Williams and Nash would be major upgrades at point guard over Ramon Sessions.

By adding a star like Williams or Nash to go along with Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and a decent bench, the Lakers would instantly emerge as a title contender.    

If the Lakers significantly upgrade their roster and Brown can’t mange to guide the team to a title or at least an NBA Finals appearance, he’ll more than likely be shown the door in 2013.

You only get so many chances.