Report: Lakers to Hire Mike Brown as New Head Coach

Phil Jackson's reign with the Lakers came to an abrupt end this spring, but the team is ready to move on.

ESPN.com reports that the Lakers have hired Mike Brown to a four-year, $18.25 million contract to become the team's new head coach. Brown will reportedly be introduced as the new coach on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the report, the fourth year in Brown's contract is a team option, but if that option is not picked up, Brown will still be owed $2.5 million.

Brown last worked in the NBA as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was fired by the Cavs following the team's loss to the Celtics in last year's playoffs.

The head coach actually helped carry LeBron James and the Cavaliers to the 2007 NBA Finals, and Brown's record over five seasons in Cleveland was 272-138.