LOS ANGELES (AP) â?? The Los Angeles Lakers have fired coach Mike Brown after a 1-4 start to his second season in charge.

The Lakers announced the surprising move Friday, several hours before they hosted Golden State. Los Angeles' dismissal of Brown was first reported by USA Today Sports.

Los Angeles began the season with championship expectations after trading for center Dwight Howard and point guard Steve Nash, adding two superstars alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

But the talented group went 0-8 during the preseason for the first time in franchise history before stumbling into the regular season with an 0-3 start. After finally winning last Sunday, the Lakers looked listless again in a loss at Utah on Wednesday.

Brown implemented a new offensive scheme this fall that didn't appear to suit his players' talents, yet the Lakers also played spotty defense, Brown's specialty.