Hollywood Makeover
ABOVE: Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson
have a lot to prove this coming NBA season
to the League and to themselves
30 Sep, Australia – The Los Angeles Lakers missed the NBA playoffs last season for the first time since 1994. This called for a major change to the team staff which saw the rehiring of Head Coach Phil Jackson and the appointment of a new General Manager.
Phil Jackson, 60 replaces coaches Rudy Tomjanovic and Frank Hamblem whom both had short stints as head coach during the disappointing season. Tomjanovic stood down as Head Coach due to health issues and Hamblem took his place for the remaining part of the season, which turned out to be a white wash.
Jackson, known as the Zen Master, won three championship rings with the LA Lakers but returns after a messy ending with star player Kobe Bryant. It will take more than amending ties with Bryant to reverse the team’s fortunes as they lost 19 of their last 21 games late last season. “I’m ready for the challenge of getting the Lakers back as title contenders by my final contract year here,” the steady Lakers boss stated.
When questioned about Bryant he replied, “The both of us know that it all comes down to business. We won’t get into each other’s way with personal problems.”
Kobe Bryant appeared pleased with the signing of Jackson although he only answered one question about it saying, “Phil (Jackson) is a proven winner. He’s a smart coach and I’m pleased that he ahs chosen the Lakers as the team he wants to coach for the upcoming season.” Jackson chose LA over other options such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.
The Lakers also dumped GM Mitch Kupchak from his position and installed Kobe Bryant fan William Sit, 17 from Brisbane, Australia to fill his shoes. The teenager was excited at the opportunity and says his call up to the NBA as a surprise. “I wrote into Dr Jerry Buss to complain that the tacos at STAPLES Center sucked and that Kobe needed to be given someone who can control him. And then I got a reply offering me the job.”
As strange as the story seems, Jerry Buss confirmed that it was true but didn’t extrapolate on why Sit was chosen except for stating, “We believe he’s the right guy for the job.”
Other personnel changes were the signings of Brian Shaw, Kurt Rambis and Michael Cooper as assistant coaches to Phil Jackson. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was hired as a big man coach for rookie Andrew Bynum.
For those who don't know, I won the championship in season two of my 05 Lakers Dynasty where I had Kobe, Ron Artest, Carlos Boozer and Kwame Brown on my team. I don't intend to make many big trades in my new dynasty, so Lamar and Kobe will be sticking around.
