LA Lakers: 5 Ways Mike Brown Can Win over Kobe Bryant

Going into next season, there will be plenty of speculation surrounding the relationship between Kobe Bryant and Mike Brown.

Although both men are professionals who are trying to achieve the same goal of winning a championship, there is a level of uncertainty with a new, unproven head coach in town.

Needless to say that concerning Mike Brown's hiring, fans will likely expect the worst and hope for the best.

On any note, here are five things Mike Brown can do in the hopes of winning over Kobe Bryant.

5. Communication, Communication, Communication

Mike Brown must keep an active, honest line of communication with Kobe Bryant next season.

There will be a lot of familiar faces around the locker room, but there will also be a different feel around the team after the retirement of Phil Jackson.

Therefore, head coach and star player must be on the same page from training camp to the end of the playoffs.

4. Mike Brown Must Remain Cool Under Pressure

It would be best for Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Lakers if Mike Brown remains a cool, calm customer under the pressure of the Hollywood media.

Considering the hiring of Brown hasn't been well reviewed by some, the media could have a field day with the situation, especially if the team struggles.

If he lets the pressure to get to him, why shouldn’t Kobe question if he’s strong enough to lead the team to a championship?

3. Don’t Be Lured into LeBron James and Kobe Bryant Comparisons

Piggy backing on my previous slide, the media will inevitably ask Mike Brown to compare and contrast LeBron James and Kobe Bryant's personalities, games and probably even their sneakers.

He must avoid giving too detailed answers to questions like these, otherwise the media could make a mountain out of a molehill.

Couldn't you just imagine a headline in the Los Angeles Times stating: "Mike Brown Thinks LeBron Is Better Than Kobe."

2. Have Kobe Braynt Play to the Strengths of the Team

This is not like when Mike Brown coached Lebron James in Cleveland. Unlike James, Kobe Bryant has plenty of talented teammates.

Mike Brown needs to reinforce playing inside-outside basketball, instead of letting Kobe freelance on offense in the hopes of keeping him in his good graces.

This is not something that will directly win Kobe over, but it will go a long way in keeping the team cohesive.

1. Mike Brown Musn't Be Too Preachy

In a lot of his interviews since being hired as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Mike Brown has talked about defense winning championships.

In all fairness, this group of Lakers knows a thing or two about winning championships.

The biggest obstacle Brown will have to overcome is connecting with a championship proven roster, without having won the big one himself. He can't start by rolling into training camp talking about defense winning championships.

He will have to do it with actions and not words.