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08:55 AM ET 11.10 | Phil Jackson and Mike D'Antoni are the leading candidates to replace Mike Brown as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne on Friday. "It's neck and neck," the source said. The Lakers intend to call Jackson on Saturday morning to gauge his interest in returning to the sideline, sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com late Friday. The Lakers also have made initial contact with D'Antoni's agent, sources said. If the initial conversation with Jackson goes well, the Lakers are hoping to meet with him this weekend. While the Lakers have focused on Jackson, it would have to be a "philosophical match," according to sources. Issues such as how much control over personnel decisions Jackson will want and whether he would travel to all games -- issues that became problematic during Jackson's last stint with the team -- will surely be raised. The Lakers would like to move quickly through this process, as interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff has committed to working only a few games.

ESPN

Phil Jackson, Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

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November 10, 2012 09:06 AM ET

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time is ticking, gotta hurry now

JIGSAW

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November 10, 2012 09:06 AM ET

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The Lakers are perfect for Phil now; lots and lots of talent that he doesn't really have to coach. All he has to do is get them going in the same direction and he'll get another title. That's what he does.

delsolsi1995

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November 10, 2012 09:08 AM ET

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I am not sure why the Lakers would even consider Mike D'Antoni, hes only offensive minded

JIGSAW

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November 10, 2012 09:18 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:08 AM ET 11.10 by JIGSAW

I am not sure why the Lakers would even consider Mike D'Antoni, hes only offensive minded

Coaching defense becomes much easier when you have Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace.

Klockwork33

Chicago , IL

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November 10, 2012 09:23 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:06 AM ET 11.10 by delsolsi1995

The Lakers are perfect for Phil now; lots and lots of talent that he doesn't really have to coach. All he has to do is get them going in the same direction and he'll get another title. That's what he does.

LOL, what do you mean that Jackson, "he doesn't really have to coach"?? That is the coaches responsibility to get the players, "going in the same direction", apparently something that Mike Brown couldn't do. The Lakers have a lot of talent and need a coach that they can respect.

The Oldtimer

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November 10, 2012 09:27 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 09:18 AM ET 11.10 by Klockwork33

Coaching defense becomes much easier when you have Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace.

Good point and defense in the NBA is not like it was years ago!!! They have the "Zone" defense nowadays. IMO Mike Brown was hurting the Lakers offense and that is their strength!!!!

The Oldtimer

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November 10, 2012 09:41 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 09:07 AM ET 11.10 by MMAFan

Phil! Phil! Phil! Phil! Phil! Phil!

Just curious, are you still a Orlando Magic fan?

Jay/Punk

Cleveland , OH

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November 10, 2012 09:46 AM ET

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Yea bring in Phil so he can watch them get their old washed up asses kick first hand. I'm still not sure how i feel Mike Brown being fired 5 games into the season.

Jay/Punk

Cleveland , OH

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November 10, 2012 09:49 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 09:18 AM ET 11.10 by Klockwork33

Coaching defense becomes much easier when you have Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace.

Now are we talking about lock down defense or just some random defense? Thank you

JIGSAW

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November 10, 2012 09:51 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:27 AM ET 11.10 by The Oldtimer

Good point and defense in the NBA is not like it was years ago!!! They have the "Zone" defense nowadays. IMO Mike Brown was hurting the Lakers offense and that is their strength!!!!

Try playing zone against the Heat, Spurs, or Thunder and see what happens

JIGSAW

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November 10, 2012 09:58 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:46 AM ET 11.10 by Jay/Punk

I'm still not sure how i feel Mike Brown being fired 5 games into the season.

Aren't you glad that you and I, aren't GMs and have to make that decision??? :-)

The Oldtimer

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November 10, 2012 10:01 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:51 AM ET 11.10 by JIGSAW

Try playing zone against the Heat, Spurs, or Thunder and see what happens

Tell me what would happen??? Most teams play "Zone" defense most of the time, during NBA games, rather it is the Heat Spurs, Thunder, Bobcats or the Clippers.

The Oldtimer

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November 10, 2012 10:03 AM ET

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QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 10:00 AM ET 11.10 by jgb

First.....I must say.......When the Knicks are a more stable.organization than the LakersSOMETHING IS WRONG, VERY WRONG secondly......how very horrible must Mr potato head have been to get fired with this much talent 5 games I.Thirdly.... the Laker homer spin machine must be working round the clock to'explain' this one......lolThat all being said.....good move in realizing the problem.early enough where they can adjust and get themselves together.

LOL, damn you missed your calling!!! You should have been an NBA GM!!!