It's almost playoff time, and the last thing on the Lakers mind is what comes AFTER the playoffs. However, Kupchak and Buss have to entertain the high likelihood that this, indeed, may be Phil Jackson's final season, and that they need to find a replacement. John Calipari, Jerry Sloan, Brian Shaw, or Byron Scott. To me, it comes down to these four. Back when Calipari coached the Nets, he wanted Kobe. Now it's his chance to finally coach him. The man's got experience, and I think with him at the head, a fourpeat is not impossible. Then, of course, Jerry Sloan. We don't lose much with him as the head coach, he's one of the greatest ever. Thing is, will he want to divert from the Triangle and use the pick-n-roll style offense he used in all those years in Utah? Also, his offense involves talented, pass-first PGs. With Sloan, would CP3 find his way to LA? Another more obvious option is Brian Shaw. He is a leader, even since his playing days. However, at this time, I don't think it's a good idea to have Brian Shaw as the head coach. This year does not end our window to win championships, and I think it's important to have a coach that is well experienced to guide us to the Finals for more years to come. A former Laker as the head coach seems enticing, however, Byron Scott is a mediocre coach, at best (I know some of you won't agree with me). Though he has the "experience," he doesn't have much to show for it, except for a beatdown in the Finals by the Lakers. I REALLY like the idea of Jerry Sloan coaching the Lakers. I think he's at the point in his career where coaching mediocre or young teams shouldn't be an option. A highly talented coach deserves a highly talented team. I think the Lakers can sign him for a short-term deal, and see if he continues winning ways in our franchise, and for some reason, I think he'll be extremely successful at this venture. This may all be premature, but what say you guys?
If the Lakers 3-Peat I could see PJax coming back. It depends on his health and the money Buss is willing to pay him. It also depends on which assistant coaches are kept. If Brian Shaw is the next coach it's important to have experienced assistant coaches around him. I'm assuming the Lakers will continue to run the Triangle and I think Shaw or Rambis make the most sense.
What's PJax going to do instead? As long as the Lakers contend, I see him sticking around. He used to have a guy on his bench who was like 90 years old, and that guy was quite influential on his coaching. Tex Winters.
It's going to be very interesting to see another coach coaching the Lakers. No more Pjax sitting still at every possible scenario going on on the court. Like someone said, it would be a very big responsibility to Shaw to let him coach next years' Lakers who are still big contenders. And it would be very interesting to see what would Sloan do with these men. Fact is, unfortunately, that the only way is down as Jackson is the greatest coach that has been in the NBA.
I find it quite interesting that people think Phil will be back another season. He says he's not, regardless of what the media says, his girlfriend says he's not, and his star player doesn't think he'll be back either. What does it take for you guys to actually believe him?
I understand how people might be skeptical about Phil's retirement, but I have a feeling this is actually his final season. Edit: Maybe he will do this when he is done coaching.
No to Sloan....can we get John Stockton outta retirement too just to finish the deal? PJ is comin back....at least thats what I tell myself so I can sleep at night
Yeah, unfortunally I can't see how it's possible to replace the greatest coach of all time and not feel like it's a downgrade.