In this Feb 18, 2010 file photo, then Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown directs his team during an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in Cleveland. [Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers hope to appoint Mike Brown as head coach "within the next few days" to succeed Hall of Famer Phil Jackson, the NBA champions said on Wednesday.

Brown, 41, coached the Cleveland Cavaliers before he was fired 12 months ago after failing to win an NBA title in five seasons and US media have reported that he is believed to be considering a four-year deal with Los Angeles.

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"In response to rampant speculation and reports about our head coaching position and Mike Brown, we've met with Mike and are very impressed with him," the Lakers said in a statement.

"In addition, we have an outline for an agreement in place and hope to sign a contract within the next few days."

Jackson, the most successful coach of all time in the NBA, ended his stellar career after the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the playoffs earlier this month.

The 65-year-old had led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s, and the Lakers to five since.

Following Jackson's departure, the Lakers narrowed their search for a replacement down to Brown, former Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman and Lakers assistant Brian Shaw according to US media reports.

Brown had a 272-138 record with the Cavaliers but the team failed to make the Eastern Conference finals last year after it posted the NBA's best regular-season record.

He compiled a 42-29 post-season record in Cleveland and brought the team to at least the second round of the playoffs in each of his five seasons. The Cavaliers lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007 NBA finals.