Phil's back to Lakers.....What's next? Trade Kobe?
From ESPN:
LOS ANGELES -- Phil Jackson is returning to the Los Angeles Lakers following a reconciliation with the team that cut him loose last year after three NBA championships in five seasons.
Spokesman John Black said Tuesday the team has rehired Jackson, who was let go by owner Jerry Buss June 18, 2004.
A news conference was set for 5 p.m. EDT at Staples Center.
Jackson, who turns 60 in September, has had health issues in the past and underwent an angioplasty two years ago. He told ABC-TV before the opening game of the NBA Finals that he underwent a series of tests to make sure he was healthy.
Jackson agreed to a three-year contract. Terms were not announced, but it's believed he'll be earning around $10 million per year.
Jackson's dismissal a year ago set in motion a makeover of massive proportions that proved to be disastrous.
Dominant big man Shaquille O'Neal demanded a trade and superstar Kobe Bryant opted out of his contract to become a free agent the same day Jackson's five-year run as coach ended.
The futures of O'Neal and Bryant were decided the following month, with O'Neal being traded to Miami and Bryant staying with the Lakers.
Rudy Tomjanovich succeeded Jackson, signing a five-year, $30 million contract, but lasted barely half a season, citing health reasons when he suddenly resigned Feb. 2.
Jackson's name was mentioned as a possible replacement almost immediately despite his having written a book detailing the 2003-04 season in which he called Bryant uncoachable and made other disparaging remarks about the franchise.
Bryant's reaction to a possible return by Jackson seemed lukewarm at best during the past several months. But Bryant released a more positive statement through his agent, Rob Pelinka, shortly after the hiring was announced.
"When the Lakers began the search for a new head coach, I put my complete trust in Dr. Buss and Mitch Kupchak to select the person they thought was best for the Lakers' organization," Bryant said in the statement. "In Phil Jackson, they chose a proven winner. That is something I support."
With injuries playing a major role, the Lakers lost 19 of their last 21 games under interim coach Frank Hamblen to finish 34-48 and out of the playoffs for just the second time since 1976.
Jackson has coached nine NBA championship teams -- six with the Chicago Bulls and in his first three years with the Lakers -- from 2000-2002. That ties him with former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach for the most in league history.
[ Last edited by sayno4ever on 2005-6-14 at 05:41 PM ] |
發表於 2005-6-15 03:38 AM
| 
