The purple and gold times, they are a-changing.
The latest news has Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw withdrawing his name from the Cleveland Cavaliers' coaching hat. Shaw's agent, Jerome Stanley, confirmed the news to the L.A. Times' Brad Turner, saying "things were moving too fast and the timing of everything was at a fast pace." ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard, neck deep in everything "free agency," elaborated as well:
Cavaliers sources said they decided on Scott late Tuesday night and began negotiating with him Wednesday morning. Stanley then called the club Wednesday afternoon, telling them his client was pulling himself out of the running. According to Stanley, Shaw notified Cleveland brass on Wednesday afternoon that he was withdrawing his name from consideration, citing "timing issues."
Shaw's withdrawal opens the door to speculation that he may want to remain available should Lakers head coach Phil Jackson retire. Jackson informed Lakers spokesman John Black via e-mail late Tuesday night that he intended to stick to his plan to inform the team of his decision to return to the team by Friday.
With Shaw out, Byron Scott, earlier today thought to be the potential successor to Phil Jackson in the event of retirement, is now reported by Fanhouse's Sam Amick as the front runner to become Cleveland's new coach.
So what does this new development mean in regard to Shaw, Jackson and the Lakers? Like BK said when it seemed Shaw was going to Cleveland, who knows? It could mean Jackson is retiring and Shaw is confident of a new job coming. It could mean Jackson is staying, but Shaw is willing to wait out what's likely a short delay. It could mean Jackson is staying, but to serve as assistant coach, along with Shaw, to Jim Cleamons. At this point, nothing would shock me.
Like everything in our little corner of the world these days, you'll just have to sit tight and wait.
There at least a little bit of certainty in Laker Land. The L declined to make a qualifying offer to Jordan Farmar, allowing him the unrestricted free agency he very clearly wanted. I've predicted for some time Farmar's departure, a hunch accentuated by his exit interview vibe. In my mind, today was just another step toward the steadily inevitable.