When Dr. Buss died, he split the Lakers up, giving control of the business side of the franchise to Jeanie, while basketball operations when to Jim. A disconnect between them would bring trouble for the Lakers, as there appears to still be ill feelings from Phil Jackson being overlooked last year to give the Lakers’ head coaching job to Mike D’Antoni.
Wednesday night, Jeanie Buss attended a Time Warner Cable media event on behalf of her late father, and she openly spoke about the events of last year.
“I was not happy with how things happened. I just think it was a difficult process to go through. So ya, I was disappointed, but I’m biased. I don’t think anybody would judge me to say (Phil) is the best coach in the entire world. That’s my prerogative to feel that way. They had their reasons for doing what they did but I kind of have that what if. What if he had coached.”
I think a lot of fans ask that question, “what if?” In the best interest of the Lakers, I hope she understands what is done, is done. Whether or not D’Antoni works out in the future, her father, at the time, believed Phil wasn’t the best choice. For the sake of the Lakers organization, Jeanie and Jim need to let bygones be bygones and accept the tremendous task they have in front of them to build a strong, supportive coaching staff and team this summer.
Ever wondered what the Lakers should do if Dwight Howard informed them he was set on walking? Lakers Nation got a group of our writers together to discuss whether or not the Lakers should deal Howard in a sign-and-trade if he doesn’t want to remain in L.A. In order to save face and make sure this coming season is not as disappointing as the last, a number of writers thought a sign-and-trade would be the best option. Some believe the sign-and-trade option would jeopardize their potential offseason moves in 2014. Check out the rest from the roundtable here; you won’t be disappointed.
Kobe spoke on the radio yesterday about his Achilles injury. He has been rehabbing for almost a month and a half after his surgery two months ago. Kobe claims his leg feels better now than it did before he got hurt, mentioning he is fully mobile. The resting part is over. While speaking on the show, Bryant explained he is no longer posted in bed. Rather, the star has been doing elliptical and strength work. Kobe is looking to get better fast and hopes to win two more championship rings to surpass Michael Jordan.
Lakers Nation News
Lakers News: Mitch Kupchak Speaks Up About Dwight Howard
VIDEO: Jeanie Buss Talks Jim Buss And Phil Jackson “What-Ifs”
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak Calls Phil Jackson “Consultant Of Sorts”
Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Discusses His Recovery Process
Lakers Second Round Pick Profile: Ohio State Forward Deshaun Thomas
Jim, Jeanie Buss Front Office Disconnect Could Create Laker Problems
Lakers Nation Roundtable: Should Lakers Sign-and-Trade Dwight?
Lakers News
“I Love LA” is the Best Song Ever, Because it Means Victory [Silver Screen and Roll]
How Long Will Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard Remain Lakers? [Land O’ Lakers]
Look Behind the Scenes at Kobe Bryant’s Rehab [For the Win]
Jackson: Kobe Wants to Match or Pass MJ [ESPN Los Angeles]
Lakers Can’t Get Player Via ‘Sign and Trade’ as Luxury-Tax Team [latimes.com]
Lakers Recent Draft History At A Glance [Forum Blue and Gold]
The Trainer’s Take [NBA]
Kobe Bryant Debuts Instagram Video of First Steps Without Boot [Lakers Now]
Player Capsule: Antawn Jamison [Los Angeles Lakers]
Phil Jackson Always Part of Lakers family [ESPN Los Angeles]
Kobe Bryant Lists His Five Greatest NBA Players of All-Time [For the Win]
Could New York Knicks Sign Sasha Vujacic in Free Agency? [Knicks 101]
adidas Basketball: Dwight Howard – All In For LA [youtube]
Kobe: Howard Remains with Lakers [ESPN]
Pros and Cons of LA Lakers Trading Pau Gasol During 2013 Offseason [Bleacher Report]
How the Lakers Can Win a Title [USA Today]
Camp Lakers [Los Angeles Lakers]
Why Dwight Howard Should See “This is the End.” [Land O’ Lakers]
Lakers 2012-13 Top 10 Moments: #6 [NBA]
NBA News
Things Kawhi Leonard Hasn’t Done Since High School [SB Nation]
Spurs Stick to the Plan, With Devastating Results [New York Times]
Jay-Z licensed NBA, MLB Agent [ESPN]
Tim Duncan, Pinpoint Passes Key to Spurs’ Offensive Execution [SB Nation]
Manu Ginobili on Bouncing Back: ‘There’s No Game 8’ [USA Today]
Clips Focus on Doc Rivers [ESPN]
Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo? [NBA Draft Blog]
Despite Numbers, Spoelstra Sticking With Struggling Wade [Hang Time Blog]
Chris Bosh to Miami Heat fans — ‘Watch the game at home’ [ESPN]
10 Key Thoughts on the Greatest, Most Insane NBA Finals Game in Years [The Triangle Blog]
We’re Spoiled by LeBron James [SB Nation]
Could It Be A Game 7 For The Ages? [USA Today]
High-Stakes Games: Critical Step for Suit Seeking Payment for College Athletes [New York Times]
NBA Finals Shootaround: Just Like Heaven [Grantland]
Lawrence Frank, Roy Rogers Interview for Brooklyn Nets Assistant Gigs [ESPN New York]
Does Gray Matter? [TrueHoop]
Finals: Seven Questions on Game 7 [Per Diem]
NBA Finals, Game 7: A Look at the History of the Sport’s Decisive Games [SB Nation]
Thunder Guard Used to Model Jeans for Wal-Mart [USA Today]