A source described the Lakers' coaching search as "wide open." He said the decision-making chain was executive vice president of player personnel Jim Buss, owner Jerry Buss, then general Mitch Kupchak -- "in that order."

Current assistant coach Brian Shaw is considered a top candidate to replace Jackson.

"I would relish that opportunity," Shaw said. "I know right now they have to take a deep breath and kind of process our roster. I think that there are some other things that take precedence over that decision. I'm not going to consume myself with whether that happens or not, right now."

Shaw is a familiar and respected voice for Kobe Bryant, and that's a big factor, especially since the next coach will have to say "no" to Bryant with increasing frequency. These were the first playoffs in more than a decade in which Bryant wasn't able to take over or close out games.