L.A. Lakers: Mike Brown Couldn't Control LeBron James, but Can He Control Kobe?

In his provocative autobiography Shaq Uncut: My Story, Shaquille O'Neal broached several controversial topics circling his career, including his time with Kobe Bryant, his thoughts on Dwight Howard and his relationship with Miami Heat general manager Pat Riley.

Interestingly, Shaq delved into the dynamic between former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown and LeBron James, alleging that Brown never confronted James and that Kobe Bryant "will definitely be in charge" when Brown starts in L.A.

It's easy to suggest that Brown's timidness will carry over with Kobe Bryant based on Brown's experience with LeBron James, but like anything involving the Lakers, it's not that cut-and-dry.

Mike Brown faced a rather peculiar situation in Cleveland. As franchise savior and team bastion, LeBron James was given complete reign over the team and treated with velvet gloves throughout the organization.

Criticizing LeBron was taboo. Questioning LeBron's decisions was a no-no. 

Brown was hamstrung in his ability to control LeBron James because Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert wanted to do everything possible to keep LeBron in Ohio.

They went so far as to fire Mike Brown in an effort to appease James and give him the opportunity to personally select his new head coach.

Months later, LeBron bolted for South Beach and the Cavaliers organization, sans their head coach and their star player, was forced to rebuild.

So what to make of Brown's new ventures in Los Angeles? Will he be unable to control Kobe Bryant just like LeBron?

Perhaps, but for different reasons.

This time around, Brown does not face a mandate from management to give their superstar the kid glove treatment.

It's actually quite the opposite.

Lakers incumbent owner Jim Buss handpicked Brown with the intention of exerting more control over the organization after failing to reel in previous head coach Phil Jackson and his influence across the organization.

If it were up to Lakers management, they would prefer Mike Brown take a more concrete stand against Bryant.

But realistically, it's in Mike Brown's best interest to cede control to Bryant and let No. 24 dictate their new relationship. Rather than shake up the system from the start, Brown should build Kobe Bryant's trust and work from under Bryant's wing.

Ask Lamar Odom. Ask Pau Gasol. Ask Derek Fisher. They will tell you without hesitation: this is Kobe Bryant's team.

After 15 seasons as King of the Mountain and one year removed from back-to-back NBA championships, Kobe Bryant has certainly earned this rank. 

Mike Brown is best served easing into the fray and working with No. 24 to build mutual agreement. Mike Brown must first earn Kobe Bryant's respect and through this deference, Bryant and his infantry will fall in line.

Giving LeBron James free reign was ill-advised as he was unprepared to run a team.

Giving Kobe Bryant free reign is recommended as he leads his teams to championships.

O'Neal got it right when he said that Kobe Bryant will control this new coaching relationship. But unlike in Cleveland, this approach is Brown's best shot at success the moment he walks into Staples Center, affectionately known to most as the house that Kobe built.

The Mamba is patiently awaiting your arrival, Mr. Brown. 

Tread carefully and cautiously.