<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">One practice into his two-day career with the Lakers, Jim Jackson knows this much about his new team: The distance between the Lakers and the top teams in the league doesn't necessarily come down to talent. The Lakers signed Jackson on Monday after he was released by the Phoenix Suns. The 14-year NBA veteran has played for 12 teams over his long career so he brings the perspective of experience to his young teammates. "There's not a lot that separates the great teams in this league from the team's right below them," Jackson said. "It usually comes down to the little things making the biggest difference. You look at the veteran leadership on teams like San Antonio and Detroit and it's enough to give them that edge. "(The Lakers) have a lot of talent, just (not) the maturity level from the standpoint of basketball players having gone through things." The key is gaining that experience, a process Jackson deems essential and ongoing. "(We're) not far away, yet far away," Jackson said. The Lakers hope Jackson's signing can speed the process up a bit. Phil Jackson doesn't have a timetable for when Jackson will play big minutes. But once Jim Jackson gets up to speed on the offense and defensive schemes, it's expected he'll be a big part of the last stretch of the season. "I'm just going to do what I do: Bring veteran leadership, score the ball, defend." Jackson said. "Hopefully all of my attributes will come out and I'll be able to help the team." He took a step in that direction Tuesday during his first full workout with the team. As can be expected, Jim Jackson showed some rust after playing limited minutes with the Suns this year. The biggest challenge is getting him acclimated with the triangle offense, which he hasn't played since 1995-97 in Dallas. "He has a pretty good idea, but he's not in rhythm of the offense," Phil Jackson said. "Right now, he's just getting a feel for what's going on." Phil Jackson did not say if his new guard would play tonight when the Lakers play the Hornets in New Orleans. George doubtful: A CT scan on Devean George's right wrist Tuesday revealed a severe sprain and he's listed as doubtful for tonight's game against the Hornets. He was injured during Monday's game against San Antonio. Bad taste: Jim Jackson has been around long enough and played with enough teams over the years to understand organizations go in different directions from one season to the next. </div> Source
Good to see that JJ is confident about himself in LA. And at least he's used the Triangle before. Hopefully he can give us that boost we need when Odom's game isn't on.
