Phil Jackson's Last Stand Is Perfect Transition for Lakers' Future
When Los Angeles Lakers' coach Phil Jackson announced he would be returning to the sidelines for a chance at his 12th NBA title and four separate three-peats, Lakers Nation breathed a collective sigh, but it's the prospects for the future that should have fans really excited.
Jackson said in a news conference that he was all-in and focused on defending the Lakers' NBA championship, hoping the team would be able to make his final stand a grand one.
Well, coupled with the announcement that Byron Scott would accept the Cleveland Cavaliers' head coaching job, Jackson's return paves the way for assistant coach Brian Shaw to assume control of the team once Jackson steps down.
This is the best possible scenario for the Lakers, because it ensures a smooth transition to Shaw and assures Lakers fans that the team will remain dedicated to the principles Jackson has instilled.
Scott may have been a great coach for the Lakers, because purple and gold blood flows through his veins and he has a great resume, but Jackson's announcement may have been the final seal of approval for Shaw.
Scott has long made it known that the Lakers' head coaching position was his dream job, and his embrace of the Cavaliers' position must mean that Scott had an understanding that the Lakers were headed in a different direction.
I have sympathy for Scott, but the prospects of a Shaw-coached team is enticing because Shaw has a unique understanding of the triangle offense, and he has already garnered the respect of the players he would be leading.
Shaw's relationship with players like Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol was likely a crucial factor in the recent events that unfolded, but there is still reason to be cautious looking ahead to the future.
After all, if the Lakers do hire Shaw after next season, it would serve as his first year as an NBA head coach, and history has not typically been kind to new coaches in that situation.
But Shaw would be inheriting a veteran and seasoned team, that understands exactly what it takes to keep the Lakers' legacy growing. In Kobe Bryant, Shaw would also have a leader on the court, which would make his job that much easier.
Shaw being picked as the Lakers' potential head coach should ease some of the anxiety that followers of the team were feeling. When thoughts turn to the Lakers' immediate future, all fears should be erased.
Many observers viewed Jackson's decision as one of the biggest facing the Lakers this offseason, and his confirmation on Wednesday means Los Angeles will definitely be the team to beat next season.
In the midst of the turmoil that is free agency, the Lakers stand with the majority of their championship roster intact, and the only real issue facing the team is shoring up the point guard position.
Bryant is on board, Gasol continues to climb the ladder of the NBA's best big men, and Ron Artest has finally reached a level of inner peace and can approach next season with the confidence of knowing he was a major part of the Lakers' championship.
If Andrew Bynum makes a full recovery from his latest knee injury, the Lakers are in a very enviable position right now. In a time of free agency uncertainty, they have the fewest questions to answer of any team in the league.
So while fans of the NBA's other 29 teams are relying on dreams and fantasies of other free agents possibly joining their franchises in hope of challenging for a championship, Lakers fans can place their faith in the solid proof of results.
In recent days there has been much speculation about a potential super team forming that would include the top players in this free agent class, but to find the NBA's true super team you only need to shift your gaze out west.
The Lakers are the two-time defending champions, and have the NBA's most talented group of players assembled. Thanks to Jackson's announcement, they now have their general in place to lead them.
