LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Phil Jackson is coming back to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team he left last year after three NBA championships in five seasons. Lakers spokesman John Black said Tuesday the team has re-hired Jackson, who was let go by owner Jerry Buss last June 18.
A news conference was set for 5 p.m. EDT at Staples Center.
I'll eat all the crow in the world when it's time, but not yet.
It's time. Would you like yours with soup or salad?
All jokes aside, he was the best coach available for this team but getting a coach is the least of the Lakers problems at this point in time. The Zenmeister now has to do something he's not famous for doing - help build a team nowhere near championship-ready to be championship-ready.
We'll see, but I severely doubt the Lakers miss the playoffs next season either way.
And let's just hope the LakerDrama is kept to a minimum this time.
(edited by Kawshen on 14.6.05 1404)
"The way I feel right now, I'd trade my mother if the right deal came along." -- Isiah Thomas.
"I'm absolutely happy for Phil," said O'Neal, who learned of Jackson's decision shortly before beginning a magazine photo shoot at the Delano Hotel in South Beach.
"I had a great relationship with Phil. I thank him for taking me to a level I couldn't get to by myself. I wish him the best of luck. ....."
O'Neal smiled.
" ..... because he'll need it."
So, Shaq, how do you think the Zenman will do?
"I'm not going to say anything," O'Neal said of how his former coach will fare in Los Angeles. "I'm just going to sit back and watch it unfold, like everybody else."
He told ESPN that he would not call to congratulate Jackson, because "he's not in neutral waters anymore" but hinted at what their conversation might be if they had one.
"I could have gotten him 12 [million dollars] a year," O'Neal said. Jackson is believed to have received $10 million per season.
Thanks, Shaq. Hey - do you forgive Kobe yet? Do you? Huh?
"Who?" O'Neal said. "You know what? I'm not familiar with that name. Sorry."
Sounds like he's a little jilted that Phil went back. And people really needs to stop bugging Shaq about Kobe.
On a semi-related note, it's pretty sad how this whole thing has upstaged the Finals. But that's just me.
(edited by Kawshen on 15.6.05 1040)
"The way I feel right now, I'd trade my mother if the right deal came along." -- Isiah Thomas.
God bless the men of 2nd Bn, 127th Inf, 32d "Red Arrow" Brigade, WI Army Nat'l Guard...good luck, and come home soon.
It's a no-lose situation for Obi-Phil Kenobi. If he manages to drag the Lakers into a playoff run, he's hailed (again) as the savior of the game. If not, people will just blame Kobe.
Plus dating the boss's daughter = fringe benefits?
Which just goes to show.... something. I'm not sure what though.
Even multi-millionaires make poor decisions? Just because you're rich doesn't mean you don't hate your job? People who live in LA are crazy? Benefits with the Laker Girls are too hard to pass up?
I hope Phil enjoys his float during the annual Elgin Baylor Day Parade in beautiful, scenic Secaucus next May on Lottery Ping-Pong Ball Day, as that will be the only time Phil will be involved in the NBA once the regular season concludes.
This couldn't possibly mean that the Lakers are exploring trading Kobe, are they?
"You can look the other way once, and it's no big deal, except it makes it easier for you to compromise the next time, and pretty soon that's all your doing; compromising, because that's the way you think things are done. You know those guys I busted? You think they were the bad guys? Because they weren't, they weren't bad guys, they were just like you and me. Except they compromised... Once." -- Jack Bauer
Originally posted by KawshenI HIGHLY doubt the Lakers miss the playoffs a 2nd year in a row. 45-50 wins if they stay healthy.
I think just with a healthy Kobe and a stable coaching situation 45 wins was definite. The Lakers were over .500 when Rudy T quit, and they were 25-21 in games Kobe played until March 12, after which they promptly lost 17 out of 19. I'm at least sure they won't lose 17 out of 19 with Phil coaching them, a healthy Kobe or not.
To get ass, youve got to bring ass." -- Roy Jones Jr.
"Your input has been noted. I hope you don't take it personally if I disregard it." -- Guru Zim
I really don't think the Lakers will make the playoffs. An argument could be made they will only be the 3rd best team in California, with Sacramento still better and Golden State capitalizing on their strong finish(I refuse to have any faith in the Clippers, as that could ruin Elgin Baylor Day ceremonies). Safe presumption going into next season, if there is a next season, that Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix and Houston are better than the Lakers? Working from there, the T-Wolves should be able to rebound and get back in the playoffs, the Sonics should be able to stay in the high 40's at worst and the Nuggets should continue to surge until they turn on Karl after next season. That is 7 teams, and I haven't included Sacramento or Memphis, let alone Golden State. Best case scenario the Lakers fight for the 8 seed, and very possibly could be the 10th or 11th best team in the Western Conference.
Originally posted by redsoxnationI really don't think the Lakers will make the playoffs. An argument could be made they will only be the 3rd best team in California, with Sacramento still better and Golden State capitalizing on their strong finish(I refuse to have any faith in the Clippers, as that could ruin Elgin Baylor Day ceremonies).
If the Maloofs (and to a lesser extent, Petrie) don't make up with Adelman and fast, the Kings' implosion in 2005-06 will be SPECTACULAR.
I'm not sayin that the Lakers are going to magically become a top seed team next year. Everyone expected them to be a .500 team last year duking it out for the 8th playoff spot at the end of the season, but the resignation of Rudy T. and a couple of injuries killed all of that.
Under Phil this year (who is not a miracle worker by any means), I have no reason to think that the Lakers cant have the same realistic goal they had for last year, maybe even better. It really all depends on who they pick-up/get rid of this summer. I just cant imagine they keep more than 6 of the players they had last year.
My prediction: Kobe stays, Odom stays, Butler stays, Chris Mihm stays, Brian Grant stays (unfortunately). I'm not too sure about anybody else.
Yeah, that's a problem with Wisconsin sports fans. Most will support the Packers first and then the Milwaukee teams only if they're any good. I've got to say, the situation with the Brewers really pissed me off.