L.A. Lakers: Will Game 4 Loss Spell Death of Triangle Offense in the NBA?

Phil Jackson may not be the only NBA icon fading into the sunset after the L.A. Lakers’ dreadful playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The triangle offense, the system Jackson made famous with both the Lakers and Chicago Bulls, may make its exit along with the legendary coach.

Jackson’s longtime assistant, Tex Winter, is the guru of the triangle set, whose titular shape is typically formed by a center in the high post, a guard in the corner and another perimeter player on the wing. Assuming Jackson does retire, Winter (a consultant who will turn 90 next season) probably will as well.

Though Kobe Bryant may not expect to miss the triangle—a system that relies heavily on all five players reading the defense the same way—it might be the best way to take advantage of his abilities. After all, Bryant’s evolution into a jump-shooter has been similar to that of Michael Jordan, who excelled in the triangle in the later seasons of his career.

If the triangle does leave L.A. with Jackson, Bryant could also benefit from a system that increases his pick-and-roll opportunities. Andrew Bynum would get a lot of great looks in such an offense, and Bryant would have plenty of chances to knock down mid-range jumpers as he’s done so effectively out of the triangle.

Former Jackson assistant Kurt Rambis wanted to incorporate elements of the triangle when he took over as head coach in Minnesota, but the young Timberwolves haven’t taken well to the demands of the system. Minnesota’s lack of a steady veteran presence at point guard (a constant for Jackson in both Chicago and L.A.) may have made them especially ill-suited to the triangle.

If any NBA team would benefit from adopting it in Jackson’s absence, it would most likely be a veteran-heavy group like San Antonio that’s likely to be on the same page when it comes to reading defenses.