'I'm not sure if Kobe is going to listen…LeBron never really did' - Shaq on Mike Brown joining the Lakers after coaching the LBJ-led Cavs

When Mike Brown took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011, many fans welcomed the appointment. However, according to Shaquille O'Neal's statements, he had a more critical perspective.

The legendary big man's concerns stemmed from his time with Brown on the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Shaq believed the head coach didn't hold the team's star, LeBron James, accountable enough. This led him to worry that a similar issue might arise with Mike coaching the Lakers, especially since they had another superstar in Kobe Bryant.

"I'm not sure if Kobe [Bryant] is going to listen to Mike Brown. LeBron [James] never really did. Here's what we do know: Kobe will definitely be in charge," wrote O'Neal in his book "Shaq Uncut: My Story," as reported by NBC Sports.

Accountability vs. superstar treatment

Brown, now with the Sacramento Kings, began his first NBA head coaching role with the Cavaliers in 2005. At that time, the team featured James, one of basketball's most iconic players, who was in his early 20s. You might think having such a superstar would make things easier for a rookie head coach, but that wasn't necessarily the case.

In leading a pro sports team, it's crucial to hold every player accountable, from superstars to role players. However, O'Neal, who joined the Ohio franchise in 2009, felt that Brown, whom he described as a "nice guy," did not extend this accountability to "King James," highlighting a key issue.

"He (Brown) had to live on edge because nobody was supposed to be confrontational with LeBron," remarked the 2000 MVP. "Nobody wanted him to leave Cleveland, so he was allowed to do whatever he wanted to do."

LBJ's special treatment gradually created tension in the Cavs locker room, culminating in a team film session where Coach Brown was confronted about "sugarcoating" their superstar.

Shaq, Bron, and Kobe all seemed difficult to handle

Part of the reason the Cavaliers and their coach chose that approach with Bron was his controversial reputation, ranging from alpha dog to diva. It's no coincidence that those who spoke out against the four-time MVP often found themselves on the trading block.

Hall of Famer O'Neal, not the easiest player to coach himself, saw similar traits in his longtime Lakers teammate. "The Black Mamba" also never backed down when criticized, occasionally causing conflicts with the media, coaches, and teammates, including "Diesel." Consequently, people often felt they had to tiptoe around Bryant, who was 32 when Brown was appointed.

Overall, Kobe and LeBron's situations weren't directly comparable. Bron was less experienced and still had much to learn, while the older Bean was hell-bent on winning his sixth ring. Any internal issues from perceived special treatment could have jeopardized that goal.

Ultimately, whether internal conflicts with the Purple and Gold were or weren't at play, the results under Brown were simply unsatisfactory. Therefore, after one full campaign and the start of a second, he was fired with a 42-28 record.