EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Houston Rockets have requested permission to speak to Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw about their head coaching vacancy. Team rules restrict Lakers coaches from interviewing for another job while a playoff series is being played so Shaw will have to interview with the Rockets either Saturday or Sunday, or after the Lakers' second-round series with the Dallas Mavericks is concluded. The Lakers and Mavericks play Game 1 on Monday at Staples Center. At practice on Saturday, Shaw said he has not heard from the Rockets personally and would prefer for the interview to take place later rather than sooner with his responsibilities prepping for the Mavs more pressing on his mind. Houston's interest in Shaw was first reported by the Los Angeles Times. Shaw, 45, has been a full-time assistant coach with the Lakers since the 2004-05 season and is considered to be a top candidate to replace Phil Jackson in Los Angeles when the 11-time championship winning coach retires. The Rockets parted ways with Rick Adelman after the 64-year-old coach went 193-135 in four seasons. Houston already brought in Kelvin Sampson, most known for his stints at Oklahoma University and Indiana University, to interview for the position. Shaw interviewed with the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer but pulled his name from consideration shortly before the Cavs hired Byron Scott. Indiana Pacers interim head coach Frank Vogel is also expected to interview with Houston should the Pacers decide not to retain Vogel on a full-time basis. The Golden State Warriors are also looking to hire a coach after letting go of Keith Smart last week. Smart went 36-46 in his first season on the job. Shaw, a Bay-area native, could generate interest from the Warriors for their vacancy as well. Source: ESPN
