Health Issues
One thing that came out of the interview with Phil Jackson yesterday that probably didn't get enough attention was Phil's contention that some of the Lakers ``took advantage'' of him because of his physical limitations. That, ``irritated'' Phil.
Basically, because of his physical limitations --he had hip replacement surgery this season -- Jackson was forced to coach from the sidelines or sitting down a lot this year. You lose some effectiveness, he said, when you can't get in guys' faces to make a point. Phil said he felt that some of the guys on the team took advantage of that fact. Think of it like a kid who sticks his hand in the cookie jar and knows he won't get punished because mommy's feeling sick and had to go lay down.
Clearly, Phil was irked and felt disrespected by this. It's the kind of thing he'll think a lot more about this summer as he mulls a contract extension...
I appreciated all your work here. Could you ask Kareem about this comment he made to this season ticket holder(msb212 of Lakersground.net, post#5129:
" I had a long talk with Kareem about it near the end of the season. His feeling was that Andrew just doesn't get how hard he has to work - he makes too much money, and expects it will just happen for him."
I would really like to know the context of this discussion.
Thanks.
well phil is trying to get himself back to his old self.. he is doing rehab right?
if so, do u know how thats going?
well phil is trying to get himself back to his old self.. he is doing rehab right?
if so, do u know how thats going?
Is Phil refering Smush and Andrew? IMO Andrew is BIG ego, and I don't like him.
ego... what makes u think he has an ego.. i havent seen the guy do anything that would show him an ego.. he just like a regular rookie in the league.. he is adjusting...
Phil has been doing rehab, but he's got a lot of issues, as evidenced by the way he hobbled around this year.
Also, he said the other day that he might need surgery on the other hip at some point this off-season.
My opinion on coaching this year is that under Kurt Rambis they had a more faster pace style of play which got everyone involved. When Phil came back he broke the chemistry and tried to go all half court and never established go to guys except the pass to Kobe and watch him shoot. I think if Phil is going to be effective he needs that point guard that knows how to setup the offense so that the 1-2 punch of Odom and Kobe can do the work. doubling Kobe with nobody to pass it to has been a theme all to familiar and that's because last season's acquisition was a complete bust with X games Rad. Plus we have slow & low IQ players on defense. Kobe also needs to be accountable for his lack of defensive intensity and completely dawg out anybody in practice who doesn't put out on defense. He needs to put the fear and hunger in his team. That politically correct leadership doesn't work in the military and it sure doesn't work on people making millions. Once the bad habits are ingrained it will only weaken the team as was witnessed this season. They talked defense but displayed no discipline to carry out the game plan. Phil did a bad job of disciplining this team. And if I am paying a coach 10 mil a year you would think that discipline means getting in their face by all means necessary. Definitely not characteristic of a hall of fame coach. Phil needed a Bobby Knight type attitude which he doesn't possess or doesn't believe it as a legitimate option. But with all these books he provides his team, he needs to have them all on the same book of discipline. Only that will create consistent efforts every game. Otherwise it's all about how Zen feels today. Feelings is not going to win you anything either.