"Lakers did Darvin Ham the same way" - NBA fans erupt over Sacramento Kings firing Mike Brown after 5-game losing streak

Coach Mike Brown has parted ways with the franchise amid a five-game skid after signing a three-year extension with the Sacramento Kings this season, per Shams Charania. While Brown had won the 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year award for leading the team to their first postseason berth in 17 years, the team's 13-18 start to the season has left ownership looking for other options at the coaching position.

The Kings sit in 12th place in a competitive Western Conference, three games outside of tenth place, despite the franchise entering the season with playoff hopes.

After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, the Sacramento Kings acquired DeMar DeRozan in free agency with the expectation that they would build on last season's success. Despite that, the team has let Brown go after losing 12 of their last 17.

In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news.

"Just In: The Sacramento Kings are parting ways with head coach Mike Brown, sources told ESPN."

NBA fans were quick to weigh in on the decision:

"Today’s world of the NBA is crazy. Doesn’t surprise me. Lakers did Darvin Ham the same way. As well as the Bucks previous coach," one wrote.

"Oh yeah Fox is out of there next LMAOOO," another added.

Others weighed in on what the decision meant for the Sacramento Kings.

"This won’t solve Sacramento’s problems," one wrote.

"We gotta stop scapegoating the coaches and focus on the actual roster," another added.

"Really wasn’t his fault for their struggles, tough to see man. He’ll def get another coaching job soon tho," one added.

What does Mike Brown's departure mean for Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox ahead of February's NBA Trade Deadline?

Before Shams Charania reported that the Sacramento Kings were parting ways with Mike Brown, ESPN's Tim McMahon admitted on The Hoop Collective that there had been some trade talk about Kings guard De'Aaron Fox ahead of the trade deadline.

Per McMahon's sources, if Fox does want out of Sacramento, San Antonio and Houston are the two most likely destinations. However, given that Klutch Sports represents Fox, there have been indications that the LA Lakers could be in the mix for the guard.

“If he does ask out, San Antonio and Houston — keep an eye on those two," McMahon said. "I’ve heard Lakers, but it’s hard for me to tell how much of that is just people jumping to conclusions because he’s a Klutch client. And then I’ve heard Miami with the Bam [Adebayo] connection there.”

Trade talks are ramping up as the Lakers look for a third complementary piece alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. As Shams Charania said on First Take earlier in the week, LA is now willing to give up draft picks if it means getting a player, or players, to help the James-Davis duo pursue a title.

With Mike Brown and the Kings going their separate ways, many fans think this move will contribute to Fox leaving the Sacramento Kings before the Feb. 6 deadline.

Only time will tell whether or not that will be the case.