Sparks hire former NBA player Larry Smith as assistant coach (AP) The Los Angeles Sparks hired former NBA player Larry Smith as an assistant coach Thursday. Nicknamed "Mr. Mean" for his tenacious rebounding style, Smith played nine seasons with Golden State from 1980-89, three seasons in Houston and one with San Antonio. He averaged 6.7 points and 9.2 rebounds in his career. Publish Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:11:27 PST Read more...