Lakers re-hire Phil Jackson as coach - GoFuckYourself.com

JJ Gold · 06-14-2005, 10:55 AM

Lakers re-hire Phil Jackson as coach
June 14, 2005

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- 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 last June 18.

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'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.

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.

Jackson also has a record 175 postseason victories and is tied for 10th on the NBA's all-time list with 830 wins in just 14 seasons -- nine with the Bulls and five with the Lakers. He has a .723 regular-season winning percentage and a .717 postseason winning percentage.

The Lakers were 285-125 in the regular season and 68-28 in the postseason under Jackson. But this figures to be his biggest challenge since the current team doesn't appear to have what it takes to return to elite status any time soon.

The Lakers are well over the salary cap, restricting their ability to bring in high-priced free-agent talent for at least two years. Their defense was abysmal last season; they had an unbalanced roster with too many small forwards; they had virtually no inside presence on either end of the court; and they were suspect at point guard.

Jeanie Buss, the owner's daughter and the Lakers' executive vice president of business operations, publicly lobbied for months for the return of Jackson, her longtime boyfriend.

She finally got her wish.

Bryant's reaction to a return by Jackson has seemed lukewarm at best. Shortly after Tomjanovich's resignation, Bryant said he would ``roll with it'' if Jackson returned.

Two days after the season ended, Bryant said he didn't care who was hired as coach, adding he trusted the track record of Jerry Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak.

``Whoever they bring in here, I'm going to be ready,'' Bryant said. ``I'm just open to whoever they feel like is going to get the job done.''

Buss said in early May he believed Jackson and Bryant could coexist.

``Oh, definitely. No question,'' Buss said. ``These people want to win.''

axelcat · 06-14-2005, 11:03 AM

Im so excited, this is awesome

Morgan · 06-14-2005, 11:05 AM

oh hell yes!

LittleSassy · 06-14-2005, 11:11 AM

finally, lakers will be back on track...

axelcat · 06-14-2005, 11:13 AM

I heard garnet might join them soon as well

Sergio1234 · 06-14-2005, 11:35 AM

Garnet wants a Ring so badly. Will be a interesting off season after the Finals

boneprone · 06-14-2005, 11:37 AM

Poor Phill wont make the playoffs..

He is gunna have a huge headache next year.

Lonny · 06-14-2005, 11:40 AM

sounds good to me. hope this puts them back on track.

Vitasoy · 06-14-2005, 12:00 PM

A step in the right direction for LA

StickyGreen · 06-14-2005, 12:00 PM

they still ain't shit without shaq...

~Ray · 06-14-2005, 12:25 PM

M4L

Mavericks 4 Life!

~Ray

mastermikex · 06-14-2005, 12:28 PM

In my mind, Phil Jackson hasn't proven anything in his career...he has always had the two best players in the league on his teams at the same time, with MJ and Scottie, and then Shaq and Kobe....i'd be more impressed if he took the job with the Knicks, but i guess we'll see what he can do with the lakers, who really don't have that terrible of a core....but remember what happened a couple years ago....shaq, malone, kobe, payton...and they STILL couldn't win!

gecko · 06-14-2005, 12:33 PM

Good move by the lakers

loverboy · 06-14-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axelcat

I heard garnet might join them soon as well

this can bring balance to Lakers with Kobe and Kevin all-star combination.
somewhat like Wade and Shaq.

loverboy · 06-14-2005, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneprone

Poor Phill wont make the playoffs..

He is gunna have a huge headache next year.

surely he would encounter some hard time reorganizing his bench
before he can come up with an awesome lineup which can out hustle
the likes of Detroit or Spurs.

Thurbs · 06-14-2005, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneprone

Poor Phill wont make the playoffs..

He is gunna have a huge headache next year.

want to entertain a bet ?

loverboy · 06-14-2005, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickyGreen

they still ain't shit without shaq...

true, Shaq has become a big name under Phil's coaching but don't
expect him to switch back his old uniform. with laker's salary cap,
I don't think LA can accomodate his season paycheck of $30 Million.
And besides, Shaq has won several championship rings and right now
what he's thinking is becoming more finacially stable now that he's
at the edge of retiring, give him 2-3 years more.

SetTheWorldonFire · 06-14-2005, 01:16 PM

nice!

axelcat · 06-14-2005, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loverboy

this can bring balance to Lakers with Kobe and Kevin all-star combination.
somewhat like Wade and Shaq.

KG and Kobe could be a dynasty for sure

axelcat · 06-14-2005, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickyGreen

they still ain't shit without shaq...

seems like miami aint shit with shaq either

loverboy · 06-14-2005, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axelcat

KG and Kobe could be a dynasty for sure

wish Phil is listening, something I would surely enjoy watching next season.

Rodent · 06-14-2005, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axelcat

seems like miami aint shit with shaq either

But they did get their moneys worth, next season will be the same way....but he isnt going to get his giant contract he wants after that.

axelcat · 06-14-2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodent

But they did get their moneys worth, next season will be the same way....but he isnt going to get his giant contract he wants after that.

Next year hes due 30 million dollars, thats deep( He better deliver the championship on that kind of salary) All the pressure in the world is on shaq, And now he has to deal with kobe and the zen master

sickkittens · 06-14-2005, 01:33 PM

Any predictions on how far the Lakers will go?

loverboy · 06-14-2005, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodent

But they did get their moneys worth, next season will be the same way....but he isnt going to get his giant contract he wants after that.

Shaq is nearing the end of his career, he already achieved what most players
are dying to get. He was not at his form during Game 6 and 7 with the Pistons.
I expected him to come-out and carry the team as he used to do during his
LA days. Age is hunting him down now.

axelcat · 06-14-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickkittens

Any predictions on how far the Lakers will go?

Very Far, You never know what the ZEN is cooking up

loverboy · 06-14-2005, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickkittens

Any predictions on how far the Lakers will go?

if he retains his old lineup, they will not go that far. possibly 1st round playoffs match

axelcat · 06-14-2005, 01:43 PM

Keep in mind the lakers also have the 10th draft pick, this will land them a very solid prospect

sickkittens · 06-14-2005, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loverboy

if he retains his old lineup, they will not go that far. possibly 1st round playoffs match

I wonder if he will be able to add some new key players. I can't see them going far with what they have even w/ Phil.

loverboy · 06-14-2005, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickkittens

I wonder if he will be able to add some new key players. I can't see them going far with what they have even w/ Phil.

Lakers are well over the salary cap, restricting their ability to bring in high-priced free-agent talent for at least two years. Not sure if KG is a free-agent and if accepts a $1 Million for a championship ring, just like Payton did, we can expect a more well-rounded lineup.

06-14-2005, 10:55 AM	#1
JJ Gold Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,969	Lakers re-hire Phil Jackson as coach Lakers re-hire Phil Jackson as coach June 14, 2005 LOS ANGELES (AP) -- 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 last June 18. 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'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. 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. Jackson also has a record 175 postseason victories and is tied for 10th on the NBA's all-time list with 830 wins in just 14 seasons -- nine with the Bulls and five with the Lakers. He has a .723 regular-season winning percentage and a .717 postseason winning percentage. The Lakers were 285-125 in the regular season and 68-28 in the postseason under Jackson. But this figures to be his biggest challenge since the current team doesn't appear to have what it takes to return to elite status any time soon. The Lakers are well over the salary cap, restricting their ability to bring in high-priced free-agent talent for at least two years. Their defense was abysmal last season; they had an unbalanced roster with too many small forwards; they had virtually no inside presence on either end of the court; and they were suspect at point guard. Jeanie Buss, the owner's daughter and the Lakers' executive vice president of business operations, publicly lobbied for months for the return of Jackson, her longtime boyfriend. She finally got her wish. Bryant's reaction to a return by Jackson has seemed lukewarm at best. Shortly after Tomjanovich's resignation, Bryant said he would ``roll with it'' if Jackson returned. Two days after the season ended, Bryant said he didn't care who was hired as coach, adding he trusted the track record of Jerry Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak. ``Whoever they bring in here, I'm going to be ready,'' Bryant said. ``I'm just open to whoever they feel like is going to get the job done.'' Buss said in early May he believed Jackson and Bryant could coexist. ``Oh, definitely. No question,'' Buss said. ``These people want to win.''

06-14-2005, 11:05 AM	#3
Morgan Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: May 2002 Location: Corona Del Mar, CA Posts: 10,520	oh hell yes! __________________ PornstarPlatinum.com \| TransErotica.com

06-14-2005, 11:11 AM	#4
LittleSassy Confirmed User Join Date: May 2005 Location: behind you Posts: 7,402	finally, lakers will be back on track... __________________ Proadultoutsourcing.com ~ version 2.0 OFFSHORE SOLUTIONS PROVIDER SINCE 2003 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 264-580-554

06-14-2005, 11:37 AM	#7
boneprone Hall Of Fame Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Portland Oregon USA Posts: 34,415	Poor Phill wont make the playoffs.. He is gunna have a huge headache next year. __________________ Industry Hall Of Fame Legend Mike Jones Bow to the Power - Still BP4L http://gfyawards.com/hall-of-fame Learn about it kids.

06-14-2005, 11:40 AM	#8
Lonny Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Riverside Ca. Posts: 3,539	sounds good to me. hope this puts them back on track. __________________ crakrevenue

06-14-2005, 11:03 AM	#2
axelcat Adult Locals Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: West Coast Posts: 25,450	Im so excited, this is awesome

06-14-2005, 11:13 AM	#5
axelcat Adult Locals Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: West Coast Posts: 25,450	I heard garnet might join them soon as well

06-14-2005, 11:35 AM	#6
Sergio1234 Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: LA Posts: 578	Garnet wants a Ring so badly. Will be a interesting off season after the Finals

06-14-2005, 12:00 PM	#9
Vitasoy GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 58,202	A step in the right direction for LA __________________ [email protected]

06-14-2005, 12:00 PM	#10
StickyGreen . Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 13,076	they still ain't shit without shaq... __________________ Refer Cam Girls and Take Home 10% of Everything They Make For Life

06-14-2005, 12:25 PM	#11
~Ray visit hardlinks.org Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Las Vegas , Nv >>> [email protected] or icq 94994627 anytime Posts: 18,362	M4L Mavericks 4 Life! ~Ray __________________ Adult Backlinks for Adult Websites - Testimonials Available

06-14-2005, 12:28 PM	#12
mastermikex Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 301	In my mind, Phil Jackson hasn't proven anything in his career...he has always had the two best players in the league on his teams at the same time, with MJ and Scottie, and then Shaq and Kobe....i'd be more impressed if he took the job with the Knicks, but i guess we'll see what he can do with the lakers, who really don't have that terrible of a core....but remember what happened a couple years ago....shaq, malone, kobe, payton...and they STILL couldn't win!

06-14-2005, 12:33 PM	#13
gecko ****** Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 21,846	Good move by the lakers __________________ [email protected]

06-14-2005, 01:16 PM	#18
SetTheWorldonFire Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: California Posts: 7,444	nice! __________________ www.STWOFDesign.com hit me up on icq 154206276 or Skype: JaimeGizzle

06-14-2005, 01:33 PM	#24
sickkittens I am a meat popsicle. Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,100	Any predictions on how far the Lakers will go? __________________ HIGHEST PAYOUTS FOR NO-CONSOLE TOURS IN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY! THIS SIG CAN BE YOURS FOR $200 - ICQ: 78881543

06-14-2005, 01:43 PM	#28
axelcat Adult Locals Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: West Coast Posts: 25,450	Keep in mind the lakers also have the 10th draft pick, this will land them a very solid prospect