Most of the front office, it seems, has zeroed in on Darvin Ham, with former head coaches Terry Stotts (Portland) and Kenny Atkinson (Brooklyn) also in the mix. Ham was briefly an assistant with the Lakers, and according to league sources, he is the favorite of the Phil Jackson-Kurt Rambis layer of Lakers decision-makers. “I think those guys want a young coach they can mold a little bit,” one Western Conference executive told Heavy.com. “I do not think Darvin is a pushover by any means. I just think that they want a guy they can point in the direction they want to go, more traditional basketball, using Russell Westbrook a certain way.”
Tag: Phil Jackson
The dynamic between Jeanie Buss and …
The dynamic between Jeanie Buss and Jerry West has been shaky at least since back when Phil Jackson started dating Jeanie, all the while presiding over the team as coach. West believed the situation to be unprofessional, and beyond that, distrusted Jackson as a cynical actor. According to sources, the West perspective was a protective one: He believed that Phil was using Jeanie, whom he’d known since she was a teenager, for his own power play. Whatever his intent, West’s judgments were not taken well, and have likely informed a separation that only grows more distant with time.
To that end, it’s worth revisiting my …
To that end, it’s worth revisiting my report from earlier this month about Jackson’s affinity for Westbrook. When the decision was made to fire Vogel, there was a belief from on high that Westbrook wasn’t put in a position to succeed. For Jackson’s part, sources say he has cited the Gary Payton dilemma in the 2003-04 Lakers season as a way of illustrating a coach’s need to make the best of roster decisions that weren’t his preference. In essence, deal with the hand you’re dealt rather than complain about it.
When the Lakers’ late owner, Dr. Jerry …
When the Lakers’ late owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, insisted on adding Payton in the summer of 2003, that meant Jackson had to convince Derek Fisher to come off the bench. And considering those Lakers had won titles in three of the previous four seasons with Fisher starting, this wasn’t a welcome situation for Jackson to have to handle. Yet though they didn’t win it all, the Lakers did manage to return to the finals that season (where they lost to Detroit). The comparison, it seems, was made to make the point that the coach (and his staff) should somehow find a way to find the Westbrook solution. Again, the strong signs continue that the Lakers are preparing for the possibility of Westbrook remaining.
Phil Jackson reportedly wants Lakers to trade LeBron James
Phil Jackson has suggested that the Lakers part ways with their franchise player.
Phil Jackson, the legendary head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who guided them to five NBA championships in the 2000s, is reportedly advising his old team in its search for a new coach.
Some really do not like the influence he seems to have on the team and on Jeanie Buss, its owner and his former girlfriend/fiance.
Now, Jackson reportedly has a bold suggestion for Buss and the Lakers.
He thinks they should trade LeBron James, their best player and their best hope of winning another world title any time soon.
Via Lakers Daily:
“According to Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times, former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson would like to see LeBron James traded from the team.”
“I’ve heard that Phil would like LeBron traded,” said Plaschke. “I’ve just heard that.”
Jackson is a man who may not respect James the way he respects Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. He came under fire not too long ago for referring to James’ business team at Klutch Sports, his agency, as his “posse,” which led some to accuse the Zen Master of being racially insensitive for his use of the word “posse.”
Phil Jackson wanting to trade LeBron James, keep Russell Westbrook in Lakers?
On Wednesday, LA Times beat reporter Bill Plaschke, who only recently sat down for an hours-long one-on-one interview with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, kind-of sort-of reported that Jackson would prefer to trade LeBron and keep Westbrook during an appearance on Doug Gottlieb’s radio show. “I’ve heard that Phil would like LeBron traded. I’ve just heard that but I’ve got nothing to back that up. No on-the-record stuff to back that up. I do know that Phil would like to keep Westbrook and try to make that work with him.”
Plaschke noted in his interview that in …
Plaschke noted in his interview that in his discussion with Jeanie, she pushed back against the mere idea of trading LeBron, so it certainly doesn’t feel like that is a remote possibility. He also said he believes the Lakers would keep Westbrook next season and would make it a requirement for the next head coach to make it work with Westbrook, LeBron and Anthony Davis.
Phil Jackson wanting to trade LeBron James, keep Russell Westbrook in Lakers?
On Wednesday, LA Times beat reporter Bill Plaschke, who only recently sat down for an hours-long one-on-one interview with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, kind-of sort-of reported that Jackson would prefer to trade LeBron and keep Westbrook during an …
On Wednesday, LA Times beat reporter Bill Plaschke, who only recently sat down for an hours-long one-on-one interview with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, kind-of sort-of reported that Jackson would prefer to trade LeBron and keep Westbrook during an appearance on Doug Gottlieb’s radio show. “I’ve heard that Phil would like LeBron traded. I’ve just heard that but I’ve got nothing to back that up. No on-the-record stuff to back that up. I do know that Phil would like to keep Westbrook and try to make that work with him.”
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Nikola Jokic is the NBA MVP. He’s the 13th player to be MVP in consecutive seasons, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Moses Malone, Steve Nash and Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/JVDpcqGYFw – 6:38 PM
Nikola Jokic is the NBA MVP. He’s the 13th player to be MVP in consecutive seasons, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Moses Malone, Steve Nash and Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/JVDpcqGYFw – 6:38 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Two tweets about Kyrie Irving from a press conference and more than 25 responses mentioning or picturing Russell Westbrook for a trade. NBA Twitter still the best. – 4:35 PM
Two tweets about Kyrie Irving from a press conference and more than 25 responses mentioning or picturing Russell Westbrook for a trade. NBA Twitter still the best. – 4:35 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Wednesday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We discuss Jeanie Buss’ @latimes interview. What she said (and didn’t say) about accountability, spending, LeBron, the Rambii, Magic, Phil, Pelinka and more. #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lak… – 12:18 PM
Wednesday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We discuss Jeanie Buss’ @latimes interview. What she said (and didn’t say) about accountability, spending, LeBron, the Rambii, Magic, Phil, Pelinka and more. #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lak… – 12:18 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 1984, the @New York Knicks Bernard King scored 44 points in a win over the Celtics, his sixth 40-point game of the postseason.
The only players in NBA history with more such games in a single postseason are Jerry West (8), LeBron James (8), and Michael Jordan (7). pic.twitter.com/Ll9GXQcEz6 – 12:01 PM
📅 On this day in 1984, the @New York Knicks Bernard King scored 44 points in a win over the Celtics, his sixth 40-point game of the postseason.
The only players in NBA history with more such games in a single postseason are Jerry West (8), LeBron James (8), and Michael Jordan (7). pic.twitter.com/Ll9GXQcEz6 – 12:01 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Luka Doncic last night:
✅ 28 PTS
✅ 11 REB
✅ 3 STL
Doncic is the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 30p/10r/5a through the first eight games of a postseason.
He joins Oscar Robertson (1963), Larry Bird (1985), Hakeem Olajuwon (1994), and LeBron James (2018). pic.twitter.com/MMNdxLSrcQ – 9:31 AM
Luka Doncic last night:
✅ 28 PTS
✅ 11 REB
✅ 3 STL
Doncic is the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 30p/10r/5a through the first eight games of a postseason.
He joins Oscar Robertson (1963), Larry Bird (1985), Hakeem Olajuwon (1994), and LeBron James (2018). pic.twitter.com/MMNdxLSrcQ – 9:31 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Jimmy Butler last night:
✅ 23 PTS
✅ 9 REB
✅ 6 AST
✅ 9-15 FG
Butler is just the second player in @Miami Heat history to record at least 250p/50r/50a through his first nine games of a postseason, joining LeBron James (2012). pic.twitter.com/aJ2Acyi2tt – 9:01 AM
Jimmy Butler last night:
✅ 23 PTS
✅ 9 REB
✅ 6 AST
✅ 9-15 FG
Butler is just the second player in @Miami Heat history to record at least 250p/50r/50a through his first nine games of a postseason, joining LeBron James (2012). pic.twitter.com/aJ2Acyi2tt – 9:01 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’m not gonna lie, part of my calculus for how quickly I want Winning Time to move is the slim chance that LeBron could one day play himself.
Season 12. In the bubble. LeBron has a dramatic confrontation with Adrien Brody’s Pat Riley before the Finals. This is my heart’s desire. – 6:10 PM
I’m not gonna lie, part of my calculus for how quickly I want Winning Time to move is the slim chance that LeBron could one day play himself.
Season 12. In the bubble. LeBron has a dramatic confrontation with Adrien Brody’s Pat Riley before the Finals. This is my heart’s desire. – 6:10 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
We are live for a Tuesday edition of the DNVR Nuggets show. Come hang out with us.
✅ Has the NBA moved on from LeBron James?
✅ Are you excited for Juancho’s new movie?
✅ What have we learned from the playoffs so far?
youtube.com/watch?v=0O0C6v… – 3:30 PM
We are live for a Tuesday edition of the DNVR Nuggets show. Come hang out with us.
✅ Has the NBA moved on from LeBron James?
✅ Are you excited for Juancho’s new movie?
✅ What have we learned from the playoffs so far?
youtube.com/watch?v=0O0C6v… – 3:30 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2021, the @Washington Wizards Russell Westbrook had 28p/13r/21a in a loss to the Hawks.
It was his 182nd career triple-double, breaking Oscar Robertson’s NBA record.
He also became the first player in NBA history to record five straight 15-assist triple-doubles. pic.twitter.com/yc30nNkwAy – 11:01 AM
📅 On this day in 2021, the @Washington Wizards Russell Westbrook had 28p/13r/21a in a loss to the Hawks.
It was his 182nd career triple-double, breaking Oscar Robertson’s NBA record.
He also became the first player in NBA history to record five straight 15-assist triple-doubles. pic.twitter.com/yc30nNkwAy – 11:01 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Kareem, Russell, Jordan, LeBron, Wilt, Magic, Moses, Bird, Pettit, Duncan, Nash, Karl Malone, Steph, Giannis, & Jokić
@TermineRadio puts into perspective the historic company that @Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić joins as a multiple MVP winner #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/oDdN6nrjNv – 10:00 AM
Kareem, Russell, Jordan, LeBron, Wilt, Magic, Moses, Bird, Pettit, Duncan, Nash, Karl Malone, Steph, Giannis, & Jokić
@TermineRadio puts into perspective the historic company that @Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić joins as a multiple MVP winner #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/oDdN6nrjNv – 10:00 AM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Next up in our Offseason Preview series on @spotrac are the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s not all about Russ this summer for LA, but it does all kind of hinge on him. And, of course, LBJ too! Read more on what may be the most important offseason in the NBA:
spotrac.com/research/nba/2… – 8:32 AM
Next up in our Offseason Preview series on @spotrac are the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s not all about Russ this summer for LA, but it does all kind of hinge on him. And, of course, LBJ too! Read more on what may be the most important offseason in the NBA:
spotrac.com/research/nba/2… – 8:32 AM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
‘Lakers Talk’ starts at 7p…
-Who would be a better fit, Quinn Snyder or Doc Rivers?
-Why trading Lebron and/or AD should not be considered for now
Guest: @Jovan Buha from the @The Athletic
@ESPNLosAngeles – 9:53 PM
‘Lakers Talk’ starts at 7p…
-Who would be a better fit, Quinn Snyder or Doc Rivers?
-Why trading Lebron and/or AD should not be considered for now
Guest: @Jovan Buha from the @The Athletic
@ESPNLosAngeles – 9:53 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Jimmy Butler last night:
✅ 40 PTS
✅ 6 AST
✅ 13-20 FG
✅ 12-13 FT
It’s the third time Butler has recorded at least 40p/5a in a playoff game.
He breaks a tie with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James for the most such games in @Miami Heat history. pic.twitter.com/RQvIfOYdcF – 9:31 AM
Jimmy Butler last night:
✅ 40 PTS
✅ 6 AST
✅ 13-20 FG
✅ 12-13 FT
It’s the third time Butler has recorded at least 40p/5a in a playoff game.
He breaks a tie with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James for the most such games in @Miami Heat history. pic.twitter.com/RQvIfOYdcF – 9:31 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Only 3 of the last 19 MVPs have won a championship in the same season.
LeBron in 2012
LeBron in 2013
Steph in 2015 pic.twitter.com/j7b8a0j0tI – 8:59 AM
Only 3 of the last 19 MVPs have won a championship in the same season.
LeBron in 2012
LeBron in 2013
Steph in 2015 pic.twitter.com/j7b8a0j0tI – 8:59 AM
LeBron James @KingJames
Hate on me, I blew but I’m the same OG
People warned me: “When you’re on top there’s envy” – 11:47 PM
Hate on me, I blew but I’m the same OG
People warned me: “When you’re on top there’s envy” – 11:47 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Jimmy Butler has more 40-point playoff games (4) than LeBron James (3) for the Heat. pic.twitter.com/kBKc6nURXg – 10:31 PM
Jimmy Butler has more 40-point playoff games (4) than LeBron James (3) for the Heat. pic.twitter.com/kBKc6nURXg – 10:31 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
This is how long it’s been since Mike Brown was last a head coach.
This Cavaliers team was also the only time Mike Brown was a head coach on a team that didn’t have LeBron James or Kobe Bryant on it.
He’s seen some things for sure pic.twitter.com/YLLFfonEAd – 7:28 PM
This is how long it’s been since Mike Brown was last a head coach.
This Cavaliers team was also the only time Mike Brown was a head coach on a team that didn’t have LeBron James or Kobe Bryant on it.
He’s seen some things for sure pic.twitter.com/YLLFfonEAd – 7:28 PM
More on this storyline
Plaschke noted in his interview that in his discussion with Jeanie, she pushed back against the mere idea of trading LeBron, so it certainly doesn’t feel like that is a remote possibility. He also said he believes the Lakers would keep Westbrook next season and would make it a requirement for the next head coach to make it work with Westbrook, LeBron and Anthony Davis. -via Silverscreenandroll.com / May 11, 2022
Upon the urging of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the franchise traded its championship depth for Russell Westbrook, yet the three stars still ended up with an extended vacation. After the season concluded, Davis said he would meet with James to “reevaluate in the offseason. Upstairs, me and him, talking about the season and what we’d like to see next season.” Ideally, their suggestions to the Lakers’ front office will be better than acquiring Westbrook. But James certainly has a strong influence on the Lakers’ decision-making. Multiple sources indicate the team’s front office is internally blaming pressure from Klutch Sports Group (representing both James and Davis) for Westbrook. -via Bleacher Report / April 28, 2022
The nine-time All-NBA player removed any post with him in a Lakers jersey. The only thing with Russ depicted in purple and gold that remains is his profile picture. It’s a very intentional move. When you have 19.4M followers, people are going to notice when you delete a slew of photos. Especially the ones of you playing for the team you’re currently under contract with. -via Sports Illustrated / April 27, 2022
Why does Lakers owner Jeanie Buss rely on Phil Jackson’s advice?
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss gave an explanation on why she is consulting former coach Phil Jackson for advice on personnel decisions.
Over the last few years, many people have criticized Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss for the way she has run the most storied franchise in basketball history.
Those critics include fans of the team who are unhappy about several moves that have been made in recent years.
After trading for nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook last summer, a move that has been widely panned, the Lakers failed to reach the play-in tournament despite being expected to contend for the world championship.
Now with head coach Frank Vogel fired, the team is looking for a new bench leader, and Buss is reportedly consulting with former coach Phil Jackson for advice on the coaching search and other matters.
Jackson and Buss were in a romantic relationship for years. The two were engaged to get married until they called it off several years ago.
Buss explained to Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times why she is relying on her former boyfriend for help in fixing the Lakers.
Via Los Angeles Times:
“People see us around town, we have breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever … it’s not anything romantic,” she said. “He’s somebody that knows this environment and knows the challenges I have and wants to see the Lakers successful, so he’s somebody I know doesn’t have any other agenda than for the Lakers to be successful, so he’s somebody that I can lean on.”
Jackson obviously knows more basketball than most others have forgotten, and he has proven to be a good judge of character, even if he isn’t as great a judge of basketball talent as some other legendary coaches.
Asking him for his input and advice here and there cannot be a bad thing, but the concern many seem to have is whether he has any sway or final say in what happens.
After he retired from coaching the Lakers in 2011, Jackson spent three years as an executive with the New York Knicks. The team failed to improve under his watch, and he was criticized for making some negative comments about team star Carmelo Anthony in public.
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She is also getting input from Jackson, …
She is also getting input from Jackson, a five-time Lakers title coach and her former boyfriend who spends several months a year in Los Angeles. He has become another one of her confidants during this tough stretch. “People see us around town, we have breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever … it’s not anything romantic,” she said. “He’s somebody that knows this environment and knows the challenges I have and wants to see the Lakers successful, so he’s somebody I know doesn’t have any other agenda than for the Lakers to be successful, so he’s somebody that I can lean on.”