The Los Angeles Lakers are transitioning into a new era after the departure of Kobe Bryant. The end of his legendary 20-year career was far less fruitful than the rest of it, as the Lakers experienced two of their worst seasons in franchise history in 2014-15 and 2015-16.
With new head coach Luke Walton set to take the reigns, another number two overall pick, and a large volume of cap space to use in free agency, Los Angeles is looking forward to brighter days ahead.
There have been some rumblings about former Lakers head coach and current New York Knicks president Phil Jackson returning to Los Angeles in some capacity.
His fiancée Jeanie Buss, who also happens to be the co-owner of the Lakers, has put those rumors to bed, citing his happiness in the Big Apple.
From ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:
“No,” Buss said, “To visit, yes..but in terms of basketball, he's committed to New York for many years. He's building something there. He has a mission, he's on that journey to get the team back to where he believes it can be and it will be. He's a former Knick…he loves New York, he loves the fans, he wants to make them proud. In terms of the Lakers, we have a front office. They're putting together a team…they have a vision. I'm excited to see what the future holds for us. So, to answer your question….no, there's no plans for Phil to come back here.”
The 11-time champion coach has been criticized by the New York press and their fans for his inability to morph the Knicks into winners over the last few years. Drafting Kristaps Porzingis is his most celebrated move so far.
The Lakers already have a plan in place for their rebuild with general manager Mitch Kupchak. Adding Jackson back to the mix would alter the course of that plan, and maybe not for the better with discrepancies likely to arise on each side.
With Buss shutting down the rumors of Jackson's return, the Lakers and their fans can focus on a truly new era.
[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/how-phil-jackson-is-hurting-the-knicks/”]NEXT: Is Phil Jackson hurting the Knicks?[/button]
Follow Us
Subscribe