Lakers News: Upgraded Coaching Staff Will Help L.A. Win Finals

Now that the Lakers have acquired Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to pair with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers are under the gun to win a championship. Anything less than raising a banner in the Staples Center would be a disappointment.

That’s why it was wise for head coach Mike Brown to significantly improve his coaching staff to prepare for a deep run in the 2013 playoffs.

According to Kevin Ding of The Orange County Register, the Lakers have added Eddie Jordan, Bernie Bickerstaff and Steve Clifford as assistants to insure that this four-star project runs smoothly.

Things aren’t easy when expectations are so high in the NBA, and one could just ask the members of the Miami Heat if there were any doubt about that statement. That’s why it was imperative that Brown surround himself with some of the brightest minds in the NBA.

Let’s take a look at the recent hires and their background.

Eddie Jordan

Jordan is best known as the coach of the Washington Wizards from 2004-2008, where he lead Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler to four consecutive postseason appearances. He also had a brief stop in Sacramento to start his career with the Kings, and most recently coached the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009-10.

He’s a top-notch offensive coach and should help create a dynamic attack that works well off quick cuts and reactions.

Bernie Bickerstaff

The 68-year-old Bickerstaff has held numerous positions around the league and is now adding Lakers assistant to his ever-expanding resume.

It all started back in ’73, when he was an assistant with the Washington Bullets. He’s since coached the Seattle SuperSonics, Denver Nuggets, Bullets and Charlotte Bobcats. He has been an assistant for the Trail Blazers most recently in 2010.

Considering Bickerstaff hooked Brown up with his first NBA job back in Denver, it was a no-brainer to hire the experienced coach.

Steve Clifford

Dwight Howard must have had high praise for Clifford, as the assistant was most recently a member of the Orlando Magic’s coaching staff and is now following the superstar to Hollywood.

Clifford has a wealth of knowledge stemming from his time with the Magic, Houston Rockets and New York Knicks as an assistant.

While Clifford, a defensive-minded coach, is the least-known hire of the trio Brown has assembled, there’s certainly a reason for his presence—even if it’s just to appease DH12.