New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson, appearing at the Knicks media day on Friday, predictably gave some interesting, illuminating quotes – perhaps none more interesting or illuminating than his thoughts on whether Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant would return to the team after this season.
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“I don’t think this is his a year ago”.
The Hall of Fame coach’s statements will only further fuel speculation that Bryant could end up joining Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant to form a super-team in New York. Right. Jackson, you magnificent old man, you did it again. “I think that he’s waiting for getting a specific time and guiding our team”. Expect him to be an upgrade over Jordan Hill, but raise your hand if you think he’ll respond well to Kobe getting in his grill over the course of an entire season. “He’s been shooting. He’s been playing basketball”. The 37-year-old was injured back in January while making a dunk and it ended his season before it ever truly began.
The bellwether for Bryant’s future is no doubt whether he can get through this landmark season untouched by serious injury.
The 19-year veteran has been limited to 41 games over the past three seasons due to various devastating injuries-left Achilles tendon (April 2013), left knee (Dec. 2013) and right shoulder (Jan. 2015)-but the Lakers say he’ll still be their No. 1 option.
The Lakers have also brought back Metta World Peace, who will continue to mentor Randle.
The Los Angeles Lakers surprised a few people when they chose to select D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick instead of Jahlil Okafor. “I sent a message to him wishing him great”. You’re not going to win a lot of games, BUT, this time: you’re not going to care. That is FORTY MILLION in ONE SEASON’S WORTH of cap space freed up for the Lakers to parlay with Randle/Russell/Clarkson to go out and get … dare I say…
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Gameplay footage showed the Warriors’ Harrison Barnes going to high-five Draymond Green, but Kobe – in flawless Kobe fashion – intercepted the high-five.
