The Replacements
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The Laker coach has said his health will dictate whether he returns next season. We say he doesn’t. His health is obviously one thing since Jackson is 64 and suffers from an array of maladies. He’s had both hips replaced and also has knee and back problems. And he has some major issues with Laker owner Jerry Buss, who seems to be misguided in his old age. Jackson says he will officially make his decision on June 27. Until then, Laker Nation will be on pins and needles.
Money isn’t the issue with Jackson. Whether Buss’ issues with Jackson involve the coach’s relationship with his daughter Jeanie is up for speculation, but money is a central theme with him. Go figure. Buss apparently doesn’t want to dish out $12 million per year to Jackson despite him guiding the Lakers to 5 titles in his 10 seasons as coach. No NBA coach comes close to his success and the 11 championships speak for themselves. So what gives?
Only a fly on the wall and Laker insiders would begin to have a clue, but we’ll refer to Mark Whicker’s piece about possible replacements. Byron Scott is probably at the top of the list, but Laker assistant Brian Shaw, a distant relative of mine (yep, couldn’t resist throwing that in), is in the mix too.
P.S. Though it covers Jackson’s first run (and his final season with the Lakers in his initial run, which also was the last one of the Shaq-Kobe era), we highly recommend his book “The Last Season.” It’s an excellent read. For the Kobe haters, it will enhance their disgust for him despite some of the stories being years old.
O.C. Register
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