The news of Phil Jackson joining the New York Knicks front office became official Tuesday when the Knicks held a press conference to introduce the former Lakers coach as president of basketball operations. There has been plenty of reaction over Jackson’s decision, including some from those he was close to within the Lakers organization.
During an interview on the Dan Patrick Show Wednesday morning, Kobe Bryant revealed he expected Jackson to accept the Knick’s offer, according to Lakers Nation Reporter Serena Winters.
On @dpshow, Kobe said he "wasn't surprised" by Phil Jackson taking front office job w/ Knicks, said they had breakfast a week & a half ago
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 19, 2014
While Bryant continues to recover from a knee injury he suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies in December, he has had plenty of time to reflect over this season and prepare for the next. The time away from the court allowed Bryant a chance to catch up with Jackson over breakfast last week.
Over the course of his 18 years in the league, Bryant has maintained a close relationship with Jackson. With Bryant winning five titles while being coached by Jackson, Bryant sees his former coach as great mentor and teacher on and off the court.
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When the Lakers held a press conference last week over Bryant not returning this season, Bryant told reporters it would be tough for him to understand Jackson not being given the chance to return the Lakers twice. During the interview Wednesday, Bryant also confessed to being aware that no offer was made to Jackson according to Winters:
Kobe said to his knowledge the Lakers hadn't made any moves to pursue Phil Jackson since last season (on @dpshow)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 19, 2014
This echoes what Jeanie Buss mentioned in an interview Tuesday night. TWC SportsNet aired a conversation between the Lakers owner and Chris McGee and Buss revealed Jackson was not offered any position with the Lakers.
With Jackson officially a part of the Knicks organization, the Lakers are ready to move on and prepare for the future. Buss and the rest of the front office will be expected to make some tough decisions this offseason, and Bryant expressed his faith that things will turn around.
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Kobe Bryant On Phil Jackson To The Knicks, “I Don’t Really Get It”