Other Sports Lakers will win the world champioship again. - Page 19

BIG_DADDY · 06-18-2004, 09:25 AM

Lakers Hope to Resolve Coaching Situation Shortly
Jun 17, 9:13 PM (ET) Email this Story

By JOHN NADEL
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers plan to decide soon whether Phil Jackson will be their coach next season, perhaps as early as Friday.

"The No. 1 priority for us right now is to resolve the coaching situation," general manager Mitch Kupchak said Thursday. "We would hope to have that addressed in a short period of time."

Speaking less than 48 hours after the Lakers were beaten by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, Kupchak also said the team will do whatever it takes to keep Kobe Bryant, and trading Shaquille O'Neal is a possibility if the star center demands it.

Kupchak said he spoke with Jackson on Thursday, but only about the current season - not about the coach's future. The GM said Lakers owner Jerry Buss will meet with Jackson "within the next several days."

Jackson's agent, Todd Musberger, said it was his understanding that Jackson and Buss will try to meet Friday. Musberger said he didn't know any other details about the meeting.

The 58-year-old Jackson is finishing the five-year, $30 million contract he signed with the Lakers in 1999. He coached the team to championships in his first three seasons, giving him nine to tie former Boston coach Red Auerbach for the most in NBA history.

In 14 seasons as a head coach, Jackson is 832-316 for a .725 winning percentage - best in NBA history. His 175 playoff wins are the most ever and his .717 postseason winning percentage is also tops. His teams in Chicago and Los Angeles had a 9-0 record in the NBA Finals until this year.

Jackson was discussing a contract extension, but the Lakers ended talks in February until after the season.

"Phil has never said that he has no interest in coming back," Musberger, said from his Chicago office.

Jackson said following the Lakers' loss Tuesday night that there was "a pretty slim chance" he'll coach the team next season.

"No coach coaches forever," Kupchak said. "We're going to have to work in tandem with him and decide how to move forward. He's going to have his side and we're going to have our side of it. I would say he's been the best coach in the NBA over the last five years."

That being said, all indications are Jackson's future with the Lakers will be decided by the team - not Jackson.

Several other changes are expected before next season. Only five of the 14 players on the current roster - O'Neal, Devean George, Rick Fox, Kareem Rush and Brian Cook - are under contract. The Lakers have club options on Luke Walton and Jamal Sampson.

Karl Malone, Horace Grant, Slava Medvedenko and Bryon Russell are free agents, with Malone becoming one Wednesday when he opted out of the contract that would have paid him $1.65 million.

Bryant, Gary Payton and Derek Fisher can opt out of their contracts, making them free agents.

Bryant has said he'll opt out, and Kupchak said that makes the best business sense since the Lakers could then sign him for seven years for over $140 million. That's one year longer than any other team could sign him and for substantially more money.

"I think we're going to keep Kobe," Kupchak said. "Part of that is based on conversations I've had with him. I've talked to his representatives. I think this is the place where he started his career and this is the place where he should end his career. I don't think any other city appreciates him as much as this one does."

Bryant faces a sexual assault charge in Colorado, with no trial date set. He could spend time in prison if convicted.

"We're willing to take that chance," Kupchak said.

Kupchak said the Lakers will offer Bryant the maximum contract allowable, and wouldn't make a sign-and-trade deal even if he plans to leave.

"Kobe is just going to have to just go, because we're not going to trade him," Kupchak said. "I don't anticipate that changing. We're going to do everything we can to keep him."

O'Neal said following the finals that he was going to "take care of me," and didn't elaborate.

O'Neal has made clear his desire for a contract extension, which hasn't happened. He has two seasons left on his contract - for $27.7 million next year and $30.6 million the following year. He can opt out after next season.

"He can dominate this game for years to come," Kupchak said.

About possibly trading O'Neal, Kupchak said: "He has a lot to do with that as well. That would not be a good day in this club's history. We do plan to talk to him. Players do have that option (to demand a trade). We'll see what happens."

Kupchak said he expects Payton will exercise his $5.4 million option to play with the Lakers next season. Payton has until next Wednesday to decide, his agent, Aaron Goodwin, said Thursday.

Kupchak also said he hopes Malone will return.

Malone, who turns 41 next month, said he has to be completely healthy to play next season. He sustained a possible torn right knee ligament in Game 2 of the finals, which slowed him considerably in the next two games and caused him to sit out the finale.

Garcia Bronco · 06-16-2004, 12:53 PM

Sorry BD....you'll just have to live with the 3 your boys have won in the past 4 years.

BIG_DADDY · 06-16-2004, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

Sorry BD....you'll just have to live with the 3 your boys have won in the past 4 years.

Still stinks. It looks like the whole team will be different now. Who knows how long it will be before we get back there. This team needs to be overhauled at this point though. I was really disappointed in George's inability to get anything done in this series.

Deberg_1990 · 06-16-2004, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

Still stinks. It looks like the whole team will be different now. Who knows how long it will be before we get back there. This team needs to be overhauled at this point though. I was really disappointed in George's inability to get anything done in this series.

not just him but how about Pretty Boy Luke Walton?? Or Rush? or anyone on that bench?

BIG_DADDY · 06-16-2004, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

not just him but how about Pretty Boy Luke Walton?? Or Rush? or anyone on that bench?

I think Rush can be a hell of player one day but he needs more playing time. Jury is still out on Luke. Fish has been great but is getting a little slow. Fox is done. Medvedenko gets better every year but should always be coming off the bench. Cook is worthless, why that guy bothers shooting is beyond me.

Deberg_1990 · 06-16-2004, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

I think Rush can be a hell of player one day but he needs more playing time. Jury is still out on Luke. Fish has been great but is getting a little slow. Fox is done. Medvedenko gets better every year but should always be coming off the bench. Cook is worthless, why that guy bothers shooting is beyond me.

Fox looked pathetic...granted, he only got about 3 min worth of playing time....but now i see why!

**Saulbadguy** · 06-16-2004, 05:46 PM

BD, I feel for ya man. I'll still fit the bill for a beer or two when you make it to a game.

BIG_DADDY · 06-16-2004, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

BD, I feel for ya man. I'll still fit the bill for a beer or two when you make it to a game.

Look forward to it.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 06-16-2004, 06:10 PM

Hey BD...at least the Lakers will PROBABLY be better than the Clippers next year.....

BIG_DADDY · 06-16-2004, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beer me

Hey BD...at least the Lakers will PROBABLY be better than the Clippers next year.....

This is supposed to make me feel better right? I was just hoping Jackson could get his 10th and retire on top of Red. Hoping Kobe would get his 4th so he may reconsider leaving town. I was also hoping Malone would finally get a ring. He did a great job for us on KG and Duncan when his knee was working. Oh well, time to see what their going to build in LA now. They sure have supplied some unbelievable and stunning moments over the years. It was great to actually see Rush torch the Wolves to win that series and actually be there. I guess I should count my blessings.

TEX · 06-16-2004, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

This is supposed to make me feel better right? I was just hoping Jackson could get his 10th and retire on top of Red. Hoping Kobe would get his 4th so he may reconsider leaving town. I was also hoping Malone would finally get a ring. He did a great job for us on KG and Duncan when his knee was working. Oh well, time to see what their going to build in LA now. They sure have supplied some unbelievable and stunning moments over the years. It was great to actually see Rush torch the Wolves to win that series and actually be there. I guess I should count my blessings.

Yep. And there's nothing wrong with supporting YOUR team through the good times and the bad. Even if said team is the Lakers.

**KcMizzou** · 06-16-2004, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

This is supposed to make me feel better right? I was just hoping Jackson could get his 10th and retire on top of Red. Hoping Kobe would get his 4th so he may reconsider leaving town. I was also hoping Malone would finally get a ring. He did a great job for us on KG and Duncan when his knee was working. Oh well, time to see what their going to build in LA now. They sure have supplied some unbelievable and stunning moments over the years. It was great to actually see Rush torch the Wolves to win that series and actually be there. I guess I should count my blessings.

You know... If the Lakers actually rebuild, I could probably get behind them. The reason everyone hates them, is because they've been so damned good it's just silly. I'm a casual Pacers fan, I'm not that passionate about them, but that's who I pull for in the NBA. (Mainly because of my early NBA memories of Reggie Miller killing the Knicks with 3's, and then using Reggie on NBA Live '95 to humiliate my buddies)

I Kinda like the Pacers. I LOVE Mizzou. I wanna see Rush become a stud. If the Lakers rebuild, and Kareem's a part of it, I'll be pulling for them more often than not....

Stinger · 04-06-2005, 02:19 PM

Bumpity in honor of the Lakers Fine Season

. Officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Calcountry · 04-06-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinger

Bumpity in honor of the Lakers Fine Season

. Officially eliminated from the playoffs.

I thought about doing this, but the thought of scanning through the threads without the search function seemed a bit too daunting for me.

lmao.

Troy, the official, "every sports team that I care about" implosion continues. I feel bad for you bud.

Mr. Kotter · 04-06-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinger

Bumpity in honor of the Lakers Fine Season

. Officially eliminated from the playoffs.

Nice move, Stinger. Heh.

Troy and Jim will be along shortly to slap you down.....

06-18-2004, 09:25 AM	#1
BIG_DADDY THE RED MENACE Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texas Casino cash: $2558410	Lakers Hope to Resolve Coaching Situation Shortly Jun 17, 9:13 PM (ET) Email this Story By JOHN NADEL EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers plan to decide soon whether Phil Jackson will be their coach next season, perhaps as early as Friday. "The No. 1 priority for us right now is to resolve the coaching situation," general manager Mitch Kupchak said Thursday. "We would hope to have that addressed in a short period of time." Speaking less than 48 hours after the Lakers were beaten by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, Kupchak also said the team will do whatever it takes to keep Kobe Bryant, and trading Shaquille O'Neal is a possibility if the star center demands it. Kupchak said he spoke with Jackson on Thursday, but only about the current season - not about the coach's future. The GM said Lakers owner Jerry Buss will meet with Jackson "within the next several days." Jackson's agent, Todd Musberger, said it was his understanding that Jackson and Buss will try to meet Friday. Musberger said he didn't know any other details about the meeting. The 58-year-old Jackson is finishing the five-year, $30 million contract he signed with the Lakers in 1999. He coached the team to championships in his first three seasons, giving him nine to tie former Boston coach Red Auerbach for the most in NBA history. In 14 seasons as a head coach, Jackson is 832-316 for a .725 winning percentage - best in NBA history. His 175 playoff wins are the most ever and his .717 postseason winning percentage is also tops. His teams in Chicago and Los Angeles had a 9-0 record in the NBA Finals until this year. Jackson was discussing a contract extension, but the Lakers ended talks in February until after the season. "Phil has never said that he has no interest in coming back," Musberger, said from his Chicago office. Jackson said following the Lakers' loss Tuesday night that there was "a pretty slim chance" he'll coach the team next season. "No coach coaches forever," Kupchak said. "We're going to have to work in tandem with him and decide how to move forward. He's going to have his side and we're going to have our side of it. I would say he's been the best coach in the NBA over the last five years." That being said, all indications are Jackson's future with the Lakers will be decided by the team - not Jackson. Several other changes are expected before next season. Only five of the 14 players on the current roster - O'Neal, Devean George, Rick Fox, Kareem Rush and Brian Cook - are under contract. The Lakers have club options on Luke Walton and Jamal Sampson. Karl Malone, Horace Grant, Slava Medvedenko and Bryon Russell are free agents, with Malone becoming one Wednesday when he opted out of the contract that would have paid him $1.65 million. Bryant, Gary Payton and Derek Fisher can opt out of their contracts, making them free agents. Bryant has said he'll opt out, and Kupchak said that makes the best business sense since the Lakers could then sign him for seven years for over $140 million. That's one year longer than any other team could sign him and for substantially more money. "I think we're going to keep Kobe," Kupchak said. "Part of that is based on conversations I've had with him. I've talked to his representatives. I think this is the place where he started his career and this is the place where he should end his career. I don't think any other city appreciates him as much as this one does." Bryant faces a sexual assault charge in Colorado, with no trial date set. He could spend time in prison if convicted. "We're willing to take that chance," Kupchak said. Kupchak said the Lakers will offer Bryant the maximum contract allowable, and wouldn't make a sign-and-trade deal even if he plans to leave. "Kobe is just going to have to just go, because we're not going to trade him," Kupchak said. "I don't anticipate that changing. We're going to do everything we can to keep him." O'Neal said following the finals that he was going to "take care of me," and didn't elaborate. O'Neal has made clear his desire for a contract extension, which hasn't happened. He has two seasons left on his contract - for $27.7 million next year and $30.6 million the following year. He can opt out after next season. "He can dominate this game for years to come," Kupchak said. About possibly trading O'Neal, Kupchak said: "He has a lot to do with that as well. That would not be a good day in this club's history. We do plan to talk to him. Players do have that option (to demand a trade). We'll see what happens." Kupchak said he expects Payton will exercise his $5.4 million option to play with the Lakers next season. Payton has until next Wednesday to decide, his agent, Aaron Goodwin, said Thursday. Kupchak also said he hopes Malone will return. Malone, who turns 41 next month, said he has to be completely healthy to play next season. He sustained a possible torn right knee ligament in Game 2 of the finals, which slowed him considerably in the next two games and caused him to sit out the finale. __________________ The diabolical genius of Marxism-Socialism is that it provides the emotional and intellectual road map for autocrats to persuade millions of people to support their own enslavement to government. ~Mark Levin April 15, 2019
Posts: 32,522

06-16-2004, 12:53 PM	#2
Garcia Bronco No Keys, No Problem Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Denver Casino cash: $1583136	Sorry BD....you'll just have to live with the 3 your boys have won in the past 4 years.
Posts: 33,022

06-16-2004, 05:46 PM	#7
Saulbadguy When a nightmare becomes real Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $736966	BD, I feel for ya man. I'll still fit the bill for a beer or two when you make it to a game. __________________ http://www.goemaw.com
Posts: 47,020

06-16-2004, 06:10 PM	#9
Dr. Johnny Fever stax of wax Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	Hey BD...at least the Lakers will PROBABLY be better than the Clippers next year..... __________________ courtesy of BoneKrusher "Baseball? It's just a game. As simple as a ball and bat, yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, a business and sometimes a religion." Ernie Harwell
Posts: 34,865

04-06-2005, 02:19 PM	#13
Stinger Bazinga Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $1934507	Bumpity in honor of the Lakers Fine Season . Officially eliminated from the playoffs. __________________
Posts: 10,320