The Los Angeles Lakers have had a horribly disappointing season, causing Jeanie Buss to reach out to an old friend. Bill Oram and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Monday that legendary Lakers coach Phil Jackson has been in contact with the organization this season.
Jackson has helped consult Buss and Kurt Rambis this season and has reportedly taken a keen interest in Russell Westbrook and his bad fit with the team. While not confirmed in the report, Jackson’s input could be a driving factor in the front office pressuring Frank Vogel to demote Westbrook to a bench role.
Jackson is a beloved name for just about every Laker fan and his involvement with the team might seem like a great thing. Heck, if we want to be incredibly wishful we can hope that he replaces Frank Vogel after this season — although at 76 years old that seems unlikely.
Despite Jackson being a beloved Lakers figure, his involvement with the team should not be considered a good thing. It should be considered quite the contrary. Buss and Rambis turning to Jackson only showcases what the Lakers’ biggest problem has been not just this season but in recent years.
Phil Jackson shows that the Los Angeles Lakers have too many cooks in the kitchen.
Just think about how many people have some sort of decision-making power within the Lakers organization. Rob Pelinka is the general manager and is meant to be calling the shots. But then we have Buss’s say on the team, and you know that she has one. There is also Rambis, who is going as far as to sit in on coaching meetings this season.
While he denies it, LeBron James has some serious pull in the decision-making process, as evident from the team trading for Russell Westbrook. Of course, that pull also extends to Anthony Davis, as Klutch Sports are the ones attempting to work together with the Lakers.
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Magic Johnson is not on the payroll anymore but it would not be shocking if he too is being turned to for “consulting”. Who else do the Lakers call to make decisions? Is Shaquille O’Neal getting phone calls in-between commercials about what the Lakers should do next? Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on speed dial?
There is no reason for the Lakers to be “consulting” with Phil Jackson. It is one thing to have a conversation with the guy and pick his brain, fine. But if what he is saying is having any sort of impact on the decisions that the team is making then that is a massive mistake.
Jackson is a legend, I get it. But he is not around the team. He is not in the building. And quite frankly, the Lakers already have way too many people that have a say in the decision-making process. That is not how you run a smooth basketball operation.
Heck, might as well give me a call while you are at it. I can give the team some consultation.