Phil Jackson: Lakers Make It Clear Who They're Targeting by Contacting Zenmaster

The Los Angeles Lakers would like to replace the recently-fired Mike Brown as quickly as possible. Information is circulating they've already contacted Phil Jackson, one of their two top candidates.

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The Lakers have officially contacted Phil Jackson to gauge his interest in coaching them, The Times has learned.

—Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 10, 2012"

The other name that is reportedly on the table is Mike D'Antoni, former head coach of the New York Knicks. He was also Steve Nash's coach in Phoenix for four seasons.

Jackson seems like the best fit for the Lakers. Aside from his familiarity with the team and their star, Kobe Bryant, his triangle offense would be a better fit for the team than D'Antoni's high-paced style of play.

Time is an issue for the team. They've placed Bernie Bickerstaff into the interim position, but he is expecting it to be a short-term gig.

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Bickerstaff has only committed to a couple games. Process should move quickly.

—ramonashelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 10, 2012"

While the Lakers want to move fast, they can't afford to make the wrong decision. Brown was never a good fit for this club and the team simply wasn't responding to him.

Fear of another bad hire could make Jackson the obvious choice. He might not be the best man for the job, but he isn't the wrong person for it, either.

Sometimes it is easier for a team to play it safe than make a bold move that could prove more fruitful in the long run.

Other names that have been bounced around include Jerry Sloan, Nate McMillan and Stan Van Gundy.

Jackson could be on board over the weekend. It wouldn't be surprising to see him bring along an assistant that he would like to groom to be his eventual replacement.

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Darin Pike is a writer for Bleacher Report's Breaking News Team and a Featured Columnist covering the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks.