Never simple in L.A.: The politics behind Phil Jackson and Andrew Bynum’s disagreement

October 04 08

Player sees his role one way. Coach sees it differently. They disagree. This is a regular occurrence in the NBA. But player and coach must find common ground. Or one must move on.

In case you missed it, HoopsVibe News (through The L.A. Daily News) reported that Phil Jackson challenged Andrew Bynum’s goal of averaging 20 points next season with Los Angeles, but felt 10 rebounds was attainable.

“Not possible," Jackson said. "It’s not possible. There’s just not enough offense for everyone to do that kind of stuff."

Jackson’s only quibble was with Bynum’s desired scoring average. Jackson said he believes Bynum can average 10or more rebounds.

"That’s realistic, 10rebounds, three blocks, some changed shots ... maybe a charge a game - those are the things we want to see happen with his defense," Jackson said. "That’s going to make us a good team.” (HoopsVibe News linked to L.A. Daily News)

So these two disagreed, but found common ground. They had to. Bynum isn’t leaving. Neither is ‘Zen-Master’.

This wasn’t a simple case of player and coach having a difference of opinion. Things are usually political with the Lakers, each story multi-layered and complicated.

Right now, Bynum is currently negotiating an extension. More points, like a 20 per night average, means more leverage. And more leverage means more money in the next contract.

Jackson has nine NBA Titles, the same as Boston’s Red Auerbach. Ten sets the all-time mark for coaches. Winning that elusive championship depends on Bynum defending, not scoring. After all, Pau Gasol is the second option.

Then there is ownership. Unlike last year, all is quiet on the Buss front. Jim and Jeanie (the son/ daughter of figure head Jerry are both employed in the front office) aren’t arguing on live radio. No long lost relative is dropping cryptic Kobe thoughts on his myspace page, either.

But Bynum is a trigger. Jim Buss takes credit for the team picking him tenth overall in the 2005 NBA draft. The President -or owner’s son, you decide- validates himself through Bynum’s success. Any news on his five-man raises his blood pressure.

And Jeannie Buss is seriously involved with Jackson. She has admitted that agreeing with the Zen-Master on team issues has caused waves with her family.

Down the hall is Mitch Kupchack. The GM rightfully stood his ground and refused to deal Bynum for Jason Kidd –even if it infuriated Kobe Bryant. This resolve has likely strengthened his loyalty to Bynum.

Bynum and Jackson’s disagreement wasn’t a big deal. Only nothing is simple with the Lakers, except winning.

What do you make of Jackson’s comments? Is anything, other than winning, simple with the Lakers? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Vaguely Artistic.

16 Comments: Never simple in L.A.: The politics behind Phil Jackson and Andrew (...)

Posted by
20/10
on 10.5.2008

Umm anyone that has the Laker insider show in LA obivously seen the players say it. I am sure you’ll hear those players that said it, will be asked it again and it will reach it’s way main stream. How am I trying to discredit Kobe when I am a Lakers fan and Kobe is my favorite player? But I have to be objective and can be one of those dick riding fans like you seem like. I think it was bad on Kobe’s part to again withhold surgery, you can only go for so long before something serious happens. Get ur mind right my dude, develop some common sense, and learn to be objective with pros and cons. .

Posted by
that one guy
on 10.5.2008

i find it funny how people "claim" to have these reports... if you got it show it to us.... nothing but a bunch of haters looking to discredit kobe after a very strong past season and now are just hoping he doesn’t do to good.. you guys focus on the negative of the quote.. but you don’t take in considerationg.. that a 30 year old is still faster then he should be.. all you guys expecting negative s---from kobe or la are gonna be heartbroken .

Posted by
the count
on 10.5.2008

agreed 20/10 .

Posted by
20/10
on 10.5.2008

Actually some of Kobe’s teammates say they’re concerned about his figure this season, and don’t feel as confident in him as they did last season. I have the Lakers inside report show in LA. Tex Winter, Odom, Gasol, Ariza and Vlad Rad said Kobe doesn’t look the same and hasn’t played the same and can see they finger starting to bother him. Of course Kobe’s ego is gonna say he’s fine. But ultimately after awhile it’s going to effect and after playing the season and the summer, it makes sense that it’s going to get worse. Bad and selfish decision on Kobe’s part. Bynum can reap the benefits when Kobe eventually will have to sit out to get the finger corrected. I say December ot January he’ll have to sit out .

Posted by
that one guy
on 10.5.2008

L.A clipper town---- that crock of s---your just wrote sound pretty ridicolous.. and actually i saw that quote.. "kobe hasn’t been shootin the ball particularly well in practice" ---he went on to say " however his speed has been at tip top shape and is pretty close to hwo fast he’s been in previous years (paraphrased)... no where in the quote did they say the finger is effecting him. .

Posted by
L.A. is Clippers Town
on 10.5.2008

D.Angelo Lopez, an LA reporter, has said Kobe has not been shooting the ball well at all. And it looks like not getting his finger fixed is really starting to effect him. This can’t be a good sign for Laker land. Kobe’s ego may once again kill the team. He should have gotten it taken care of, and miss the first month and half. Gasol, Odom, Bynum and Co could have held it down for the time being. I think this will play a major role in those 3 three getting a lot of second chance points from KB’s missing. But I could care less cuz my Clippers are gonna take over, holla! .

Posted by
Euro-Guy
on 10.5.2008

When Kobe leaves the Lakers for Europe, it will be Bynums team. So he’ll be 20 and 10 then .

Posted by
Franchise
on 10.4.2008

well, i dont think bynum would have avg those numbers seriously even if phil said nothing. People here have to realise that bynum will not get major touches. Jeez for crying out loud kobe is on his team. AND a 19/8 player in pau is there. And odom. c’mon guys he wont avg 20/10 there is seriously not that much basketball to go around. take this into consideration. With all the fts he gets, he will prob need 15 shots for that and prob 21 posessions. Yall think kobe would.let that happen? or odom? or pau? i don;t. .

Posted by
O. Sandor
on 10.4.2008

Hi Jason, I agree that picking numbers can be tough because rotations usually take time to develop. Often players must find their roles instead of claiming them, you know? By the way, when are you coming back to start writing. I miss reading your work bud! Thanks ... Out! .

Posted by
Jason Kelly
on 10.4.2008

Great Oly! Well as you and Zen Master Guru 101 stated. He could get 15 pts on putbacks alone. I think it’s hard to put a figure on starters points. I say he’ll get about 16 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg. Until I see how things work out with there rotation .

Posted by
O. Sandor
on 10.4.2008

Hi Jason, thanks for posting. How are things? I agree JK. Bynum doesn’t need to be an energy guy, he’ll rebound, block shots, and score on size alone. .

Posted by
O. Sandor
on 10.4.2008

Hi no-name, thanks for posting ... I agree Phil always needs an energy guy like Horace Grant and D Rodman, but I think that is only part of it. Sure, AB will have to rebound and block shots, especially with Turiaf gone. But Bynum could average 15-20 points on putbacks alone, he shoots such a high percentage. Plus going to him early could open things up for Gasol and Bryant. I’m not so sure about why Bynum can’t post close to 20. Of course, as I wrote things are never simple with the Lakers. What do you guys think? How many points per game should Bynum average? And why? .

Posted by
Jason Kelly
on 10.4.2008

How do 7’0 285 pound big men, become energy guys. That s---sounds ridiculous, the first two posters make a lot more sense .

Posted by

on 10.4.2008

A lot of this has to do with Phil wanting Bynum to be that energy Guy, ya know??? .

Posted by
Zen Master Guru 101
on 10.4.2008

This is Phil Jackson’s way of motivating Bynum to put up those numbers. That’ what Phil does, he gets in people’s heads. How the hell you gonna tell someone you can’t put up 20, unless you keep on the bench most of the game. I am sure he could get atleast 12 a night from putbacks alone, another 5 from getting to the free throw line, and atleast 6 points from actually having plays being ran through him. So even if you are surrounded by alot of scorers when you’re a big man like him, it’s possible .

Posted by
ronh
on 10.4.2008

it could be possible for bynum to get those numbers. It would take pressure of pau and kobe would still do his thing. Lakers 2008-09!! .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Never simple in L.A.: The politics behind Phil Jackson and Andrew Bynum’s disagreement

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