Phil Calls Himself Out
I've heard many readers question from time to time if Phil puts any of the blame for the Lakers' inconsistency on his own shoulders. Rest assured, he's not all about the shirk. When asked for a cause behind the team's frequent Jekyll-and-Hyde routine, particularly on defense, Phil labeled a lack of focus the No. 1 culprit, a disease he says "starts with the coach." Jackson says he'll be making a more pointed effort to remind himself "not to expect that they understand (everything)." Despite the film sessions and various discussions with his players, the finer points may not always sink in, which requires continual reemphasis, which Jackson wondered if he might be "lax at." I figured those habits come in part from having coached so many veteran, savvy squads, but upon asking, that's not exactly the case. "It's trying not to be overbearing," explained Jackson. "I think having an overbearing nature is what wears players out over the course of this game. Harping attitudes. That everything's critical. Positive aspects of the game are really important." But as Jackson pointed out, there are limits to a slack leash. "There's a time when (the negative) has to be emphasized and it has to be done in a way in which the message is delivered." So what makes a point loud and clear? The threat of reduced minutes, which Jackson has started doing. "That's not so much overbearing. That's just taking them out of the game. You don't even have to say a word. That speaks volumes."
Despite this opening up on the part of Jackson, the coach remained mum on the subject of the injured Luke Walton's replacement in the starting lineup. "I'm not telling you," smiled Jackson, when pressed for a name. "That's the only thing that I have for four seconds." But whoever it is (Brian Cook thought it would be Vlad Radmanovic, a call I certainly wouldn't have seen coming should it turn out correct), he'll be filling in for a guy (with any luck, only for seven to 10 days) Jackson described as a "catalyst." As for Luke's status, he was able to put some pressure on the ankle this morning and hopes to ditch the crutches pretty soon. Walton described the difference between today and Friday as "huge," which brought on a sigh of relief for the small forward. Additional comfort was provided by a few phone calls from Big Red, who dispensed "some good fatherly advice" for his son ... that his kid was willing to mock a bit. "My love for you is unconditional," said Luke in a pretty good imitation of his pop's famous nasal.
AK
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I would like to see Mo Evans move to the starting lineup..... and stay there.
Posted by: Laker Larry | January 28, 2007 at 12:22 PM
unconditional love is a good thing ... even when joked about ... hopefully that will help Luke relax and get into the flow again 'pon return ... not feel like he has to prove himself so much ...
also liked the 'catalyst' quote ... puts Luke's contribution in perspective ... how do you quantify 'catalyst' on the stat sheet?
Posted by: p0s1t1v3 | January 28, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Laker Larry:
"I would like to see Mo Evans move to the starting lineup..... and stay there."
I agree with you 100%...that is, until Kwame returns. When Kwame is ready to go, I would like to see Phil give him a shot at power forward in the same lineup with Andrew as center with Lamar sliding down to small forward. If that doesn’t work, then Mo should remain the starter provided he does the job and Luke should come in off the bench. It has been several weeks since Luke was the "catalyst." Recently, he has been more the "mark" or the "target" for the other team's small forward due to his slowness on defense.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 28, 2007 at 01:42 PM
It's good to see PJ acknowledge that he might have to push some other buttons to get through to this team. One aproach doesn't always work. I think that he has got to monitor Kobe's minutes better; playing 50 out of 53 minutes definitely had something with KB's turnover total. Look, I know that Kobe forced the issue by overdribbling the ball, but Phil has to think big picture in terms of not only this season but of Kobe's career.
BTW...today's meltdown to the Spurs really puts this in the category of "The Lost Weekend".
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 28, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Anyone who thinks Kwame should play the 4 for the Lakers works for the opponett. He will never ever play power forward for the Lakers.
Posted by: Laker Insider | January 28, 2007 at 10:07 PM
I totally agree with putting Mo Evans in the starting lineup. Luke is unconsistent but good trade value to me. We need a defencesive small forward..Let's package Luke Walton,Smush Parker,and a draft pick 4 Ron Artest. My Lakers would then become real contenders this season.
Posted by: tony davis | January 30, 2007 at 08:47 PM