Larry Brown Not Interested In Lakers

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When the Lakers call, Larry Brown always listens, merely out of respect for one of his former players — Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak.

“I’ve always kept in touch with Mitch; I admire the hell out of him,” the 73-year-old Brown told USA Today. “I talk to Mitch all the time. … (But) we’re not talking about coaching the Lakers. I’ve read some of the names. They’ve got a long list of good people to choose from, and I’m here at SMU. I want to win a national championship.”

ESPN reported Brown could be of interest to Kupchak in the Lakers patient and apparently wide-reaching search for Mike D’Antoni’s replacement.

Derek Fisher, who is scheduled to talk to the Knicks about coaching next season, spent last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder but played most of his career with the Lakers. He’s one of many former players, including Kurt Rambis and Byron Scott, who could talk to Kupchak about the job.

George Karl, the 2013 NBA Coach of the Year who was fired by the Nuggets after

reaching the playoffs, is thought to be a leading candidate along with former Lakers and Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy.

Brown’s son L.J. is a sophomore at SMU, one many reasons the coaching nomad is insistent that has settled in with the Mustangs.

“I’m just so thankful SMU gave me this chance,” Brown told the newspaper. “We have made such progress. We’ve got a bunch of young kids already committed for the future and I’d love to finish it out here. … I’d love to see (the Lakers) get a great coach, because I love Mitch and I love that franchise. But I’m thrilled where I am. I feel so fortunate I’ve had this chance.