LeBron James played under Mike Brown for several seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was surprised by his sudden firing as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers after a 1-4 start.

"I think it's unfortunate," James said Friday. "I just don't think he got a fair shake, honestly. With the shortened season last year, and five games into this year, he didn't really get a full season."

James was publicly silent about the fate of Brown after the Cavaliers were eliminated in the 2010 NBA Playoffs.

"I've got a lot to say, but I'm not going to say it right now," said James. "I wish him the best, but I just think it's unfortunate and it's just, you know, how the league is. They can do what they want to do."