Phil Jackson
Jackson needs no introduction to Lakers fans nor do such fans need any reminder of Jackson’s accomplishments. His teams have won a record 11 NBA titles, five with the Lakers. Jackson is so revered in LA that fans were chanting for his return just the other night. On top of all this, he has been in a relationship with Lakers’ owner Jeannie Buss for years.
Jackson signed with the Knicks two seasons ago to lead their front office. Last year was a mess, and the team won even fewer games than the Lakers. But just one year later, the Knicks are winning half their games and are in serious contention for a playoff spot. Jackson’s intelligent drafting of Kristaps Porzingis, in the face of ridicule from others was a gutsy, smart decision with how the rookie has played this season.
The Knicks being better, of course, makes Lakers fans wonder what the team would look like if Jackson had been kept around or moved into the front office.
West, Riley, and Jackson, three of the most iconic names in NBA history, all with close ties to the Lakers, and all of whom are now working their magic for other organizations. All three areproven winners whose stature and sheer force of will would not have allowed the degradation of the once-proud Lakers franchise.
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That it turned out this way is a monument to someone’s misplaced ego or horrific business planning. Many assume it is just a matter of time until the Lakers return to prominence, but there are no Wests, Rileys, or Jacksons at the helm or on the horizon. The unspoken truth is this: it is entirely possible that the Lakers may never again resemble the franchise we once knew and loved.