Lakers fire Brown

Mike Brown was fired as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday after the team started the NBA season by losing four of its first five games, according to reports. ESPN and USA Today reported the ouster, the newspaper saying Brown's agent Warren Legarie had confirmed the firing, which came only hours ahead of the Lakers playing host to Golden State. The Lakers have the worst record in the Western Conference but the NBA's largest payroll at more than $100 million, one that would spark a luxury tax hit of more than $30 million for owner's by the end of the season. Kobe Bryant has struggled with a foot injury while nagging injuries have also hampered the team's two star off-season acquisitions, guard Steve Nash and center Dwight Howard. Howard is still trying to find top form after back surgery earlier this year while Nash has been healthy for only one full game so far this season because of a leg injury.