Los Angeles Lakers: Top 10 Reasons Why Brian Shaw Should Be the Next Head Coach

With the departure of the legendary American coach—Phil Jackson—from the L.A. Lakers, his youngest assistant, Brian Shaw, is considered a leading candidate to replace him.

At the tender age of 45 years old, Shaw wouldn't be the youngest head coach in the NBA, but he'd definitely be one of the best dressed.

The husband and father of two, I believe, should replace Jackson and within this show are the reasons why.  Weigh in if you like, but join me first on an entertaining look into the Bleacher Report version of a possible Facebook page: "Brian Shaw for Lakers Coach."

Let's go.  Roll the drums...

10. Kobe Bryant Is Like a Player/Coach

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AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 10: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the bench in front of former Lakers Brian Shaw (back-L) and Ron Harper (back-R) during a time-out in the fourth quarter of game three of the 2004 NBA Finals against the Detroit

Shaw's former teammate, Bryant is an auto-pilot in the NBA. 

You know how some players are self-checked?  Well, Kobe is self-coached and can often be seen directing the Lakers on the floor and on the bench.

Like a lot of superstars have done in the NBA, he pretty much determines when he wants to check back into a game, and when he wants to sit.

This would free Shaw's mind and ease his transition into the head coaching ranks.

9. Shaquille O'Neal Would Be a Cool Assistant Coach in the City of Angels

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LOS ANGELES - JUNE 14: Brian Shaw #20 and Shaquille O'Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers speak to the fans in front of the Staples Center following the victory parade on June 14, 2002 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won their thi

The "Shaw-Shaq Redemption" was a thing of beauty in Orlando and in L.A.  Shaw could bring Shaq in as an assistant coach and have Shaq represent the Lakers once again—in entertaining fashion while winning.

O'Neal could provide some insight, but he could mostly keep Andrew Bynum in check for the next year until Dwight Howard is available.

8. Shaw Played 14 Years in the NBA

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21 Jan 2001: Brian Shaw #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers rebounds the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Heat defeated the Lakers 103-92. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the onl

Being a part of it since before the New Millennium, Shaw knows the NBA.

He was the 24th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in 1988.  He also played for the Celtics, Heat, Warriors, 76ers and Trail Blazers.

Blazing a path for former Oakland ballers, he appeared in four NBA Finals before he retired in 2003.

7. He Has the Credibility to Kick the Lakers in the Behind When They Need It

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7 Feb 2001: Brian Shaw #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball on the court during the Phoenix Suns at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Suns 85-83. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only righ

Like another Oakland, Calif., native—Gary Payton—Shaw wore jersey No. 20 for the Lakers.  At 6'6", he played both guard spots, but Shaw was a point guard in the NBA.

He was the glue coming off the bench for the championship teams, and his pedigree as a vocal leader, solid player and budding coach is credible intelligence, Mr. President.

6. He Has Hollywood Looks: Ask Your Chick

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LOS ANGELES - APRIL 18: Assistant coach Brian Shaw of the Los Angeles Lakers gives instructions against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2010 at Staples Center in Los

Shaw is from Oakland, but he's Hollywood all right.  Look at the tailor made suit—fitted especially for the red carpet coming into Staples Center.

Unlike any other NBA coach with a clipboard in his hand—it's lights, camera and action.  Show Time would be back at the coaching position.

5. He Played in the Triangle Offense for 5 Strong Seasons in Los Angeles

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2 Feb 2001: Brian Shaw #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Hornets 93-87. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the

Feeding Big Shaq isn't as easy at it sounds, but Shaw was one of the best.  Feeding the post in the triangle offense isn't easy, either, but Shaw excelled in his duties.

One of Jackson's favorites off the bench, Shaw showed a command of the offense during his tenure with the Lakers.  He also was adept at throwing alley-oop passes and shooting three-pointers.

4. He Won 3 Championships with the Lakers as a Backup Point Guard

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LOS ANGELES - JUNE 4: Robert Horry #5, Shaquille O'Neal #34, Kobe Bryant #8 and Brian Shaw #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk on the court during Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on June 4, 2000

Shaw went out a winner after the Lakers three-peated in 2003.  Playing alongside Robert Horry, Shaq, Kobe, Glenn Rice, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox and crew, he showed he could handle the pressure and knew how to win.

He joined the Lakers as a show time talent scout soon after.

3. Shaw Is a Solid Citizen and Family Man

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SANTA MONICA, CA - APRIL 12: Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw and wife pose inside at the Los Angeles Lakers 3rd annual Mirage Las Vegas Casino Night and Bodog Celebrity Poker Invitational benefiting Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation at Barker Hangar

A fresh face in the Western Conference head coaching ranks, Shaw has style and grace.  In July 1993, both of his parents—and his sister—were killed in a car crash.   

His niece—his sister's daughter—survived the crash and Shaw, with help from his aunt, helped raise her.

Brian lives in L.A. with his wife, Nikki—who is a professional chef.  Married since the year he was drafted, he has two kids.

2. He Learned Under Phil Jackson for 5 Years in Los Angeles, California

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BOSTON - JUNE 10: Head coach Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his glasses in the first half against the Boston Celltics during Game Four of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 10, 2010 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Shaw sat under Jackson, literally.  Phil's bad back meant he sat in a raised chair along the Lakers' bench during games. 

Monty Williams spent less time under the Trail Blazer's coach Nate McMillan as an assistant.  Williams, 39, led the Hornets to the playoffs in his first season as head coach this year.

Eric Spoelstra, 40, spent less time under Pat Riley—becoming an assistant in 2005 during the Heat's 2006 NBA championship run.

1. He Won 2 NBA Championships as an Assistant Coach Under Phil Jackson

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Phil Jackson (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles on the bench next to assistants Brian Shaw (C) and Jim Cleamons during the game with the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on November 5, 2010 in Los Angeles, Cal

Shaw was almost a part of Jackson's fourth three-peat in the NBA.

The Lakers came up short, and Jackson is riding off into the sunset a loser.  Shaw is the only coach under 50 years old schooled by Jackson in today's NBA.

Only Indiana's Frank Vogel, Williams and Spoelstra are younger than Shaw, I believe.  Time for me to go tend to my young one.  Catch me next time.  Go Brian Shaw.