In Phil Jackson’s tell-all book, released less than a year ago, the former Chicago Bulls coach called Kobe Bryant “uncoachable” while he was winning three NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. In Phil Jackson’s tell-all book, released less than a year ago, the former Chicago Bulls coach called Kobe Bryant “uncoachable” while he was winning three NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, after the Lakers struggled to a 34-48 record and a trade that sent Shaquille O’Neal to Miami, Jackson is returning to L.A. – to coach Kobe Bryant.
Is it because he loves coaching? No. Is it because he thinks he can bring the Lakers back to the playoffs? No. Is it because he thinks he can actually make Bryant coachable? Of course not.
It is for a very simple reason – he’s going to get paid nearly $10 million per season to COACH. Jackson knows full well he can’t coach Bryant, and he knows full well the Lakers are nowhere near the caliber of team they were with Shaq in town. But, for $10 million, you can get any man to do almost anything, including dealing with a punk like Kobe.
It is like offering me $10 million to babysit the brat kids in my neighborhood. They’re going to run around all over the place, get into trouble, cry when things don’t go their way, and aggravate me until I want to put them all in confinement for eight months. But would I do it for $10 million? Just tell me where to sign.
In Jackson’s case, he only has to keep an eye on one brat in particular. He knows Bryant won’t listen to him. He knows Bryant is going to throw fits about how the other kids are playing, what mean names they’re calling him and how they’re not sharing properly. Jackson is prepared for it. He’s even more willing to do it for $10 million.
Do not think for a second that Jackson is coming back because he truly loves coaching basketball. While I’m sure he does, some of the passion is most likely lost. But Jackson can force himself to rediscover that passion when some guy wants to give him $10 million to come back and coach. Anyone would do it, even someone who is already rich and doesn’t need the money.
There was a time when Jackson was demanding Bryant be traded, saying he was selfish and only concerned about his own game rather than that of the team. And suddenly, we’re supposed to just up and believe those statements were never made, or that Jackson has changed his mind about Bryant.
I’m sure if you pay me $10 million, I’d forget the whole thing too.