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05/15/2003 Archived Entry: "Phil Jackson runs out of magic."
Phil Jackson runs out of magic.
Greg Popovich, Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs are about to put an end to dreams of a Laker dynasty.
With a little more than two minutes left at this point, the Spurs are up by 25, Shaq and Kobe are on the bench, and Jim Grey is interviewing Jack Nicholson. The crowd at Staples is in shock.
Watching the Lakes under Phil Jackson, they always seemed to think that they could turn it on at any time. There was a certain amount - no, scratch that, there was a lot - of condescension and disdain for any NBA team that didn't wear purple and gold. Phil Jackson would never give an inch to anyone, player or coach.
They should have seen it coming when Duncan won league MVP and Pop won Coach of the Year.
Three is all you get, Lakers. See ya next year.
Replies: 3 people speak up
Shaq's arrogance finally cashes in the Lakers.
Well, it "counted," and where the hell was he? All year? Screwed his teammates by not getting his toe fixed until training camp. Never saw a candy bar or soda he didn't like. Didn't show up for more than 10 minutes a game in the Spurs series. These are not the attributes of a champion. Hell, in this last series, he sleptwalk so badly that maybe we should check the sports books in Vegas for an enormous bet against the Lakers.
If Shaq had gotten his toe fixed last July and showed up in shape(physical and mental) for training camp, I bet they'd be rolling. No, Shaq thinks all he has to do is just show up sometime. If Kobe had taken that attitude, they probably wouldn't even had made it back to .500. No, he busted his ass all off-season, came in bigger, stronger, and better, then carried the team through most of the season. That's what champs do, Shaq. They don't fidget over "company time" when they're making more money for jumping the opening tip than most Americans will from now 'til 2005. They leave everything on the court. Does anyone really believe Shaq left it all on the court this year? Really?
Posted by Spade Hammer @ 05/15/2003 11:43 PM NY
Can't disagree with any of that, Spade.
Think Jax will stick around to coach next year? I have my doubts right now.
Posted by editor @ 05/16/2003 12:12 AM NY
Gotta wonder, huh? He's only got one year left on his contract. Probably will want to go out a winner. Maybe this loss will get Shaq off his fat ass, and maybe Phil will be able to go out a winner then.
Posted by Spade @ 05/16/2003 12:47 AM NY
