Laker fans, you team is falling apart, Jackson, gone.

911SC Pilot · 06-19-2004, 09:21 AM

The Zen Master is stepping down as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, won't return to lead the Lakers next season.

Jackson, who won three straight championships with the team, agreed with Lakers owner Jerry Buss to end his tenure as coach, the team said in a statement.

"In my opinion Phil is the best coach in the history of the NBA and he did a phenomenal job for us these past five years, for which I am very grateful," Buss stated in a release from the team. "Not only did he help lead us to three more championships, but he helped the Lakers regain our status as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, franchises in all of sports. In addition to his success on the court, Phil was also a pleasure to deal with off the court."

Also expected was Kobe Bryant's decision to become an unrestricted free agent, opting out of his contract. Less so was Shaquille O'Neal's request for a trade, which ESPN.com's Marc Stein learned of Friday night.

Karl Malone has already opted out of his contract, although he hopes to play for the Lakers if healthy. Gary Payton and Derek Fisher could follow Bryant and Malone and opt out of their deals.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1824658&partnersite=espn

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I saw Gary Payton yesterday at Islands resturant in West LA.

The Lakers will live to play another day. When Riley left, they figure out how to win again. Same when Jabbar and Magic were gone. Time marches on...the good thing is the organization doesn't suck (unlike the Clippers) so they'll be back...

singpilot · 06-19-2004, 02:38 PM

Tood! Were you in the one at the Marina? Was in there for dinner last night! Small world....

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

No, the one on Pico just east of the 405. My son and I were finishing up a late lunch, and Payton was outside waiting to come in.

pwd72s · 06-19-2004, 05:26 PM

Oh golly gee! Tell me...was "Jack" there too?

singpilot · 06-19-2004, 05:39 PM

This time of year Jack is in Aspen.

pwd72s · 06-19-2004, 05:41 PM

Glad you guys are keeping track of celebrities.... Next time you see Gary Payton? Tell him I think he's a BEAVER...okay?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

we don't keep track...they are just crawling all over the place out here. We can't help it.

Payton was traveling with a small posse. The only thing I would have said was, "tough series." He isn't that big of a guy though, but his fingers are really long. Stats say 6'4" 180, I'm 6'1" 180, and I don't think he was 3" taller than me.

pwd72s · 06:30 PM

Hey, I'm 6'3", but OLD...60+. It wouldn't scare me a bit to walk thru Gary Payton's posse and call him a BEAVER right to his face! Hell, he'd probably buy me a drink if I said so...you see, he's the best BEAVER to leave Oregon State University and join the Lakers since A.C. Green! I thought you guys knew your local pro team...GOTCHA!

(no fair asking about the schools other lakers came from...I only track beavers...

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