Phil Jackson won't return to coach Lakers next season

[Champ]

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Zen Master is done coaching the Los Angeles Lakers and his two biggest stars could be leaving the team, too.

Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, won't return as coach of the Lakers.

Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant looked as though they could be playing elsewhere next season.

A team source told the AP on condition of anonymity that O'Neal had requested a trade. And as expected Bryant became an unrestricted free agent, opting out of his contract.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/7432770

[Champion Jack]

1. I hear Kobe may have a LONG term offer from some place

in Colorado...

[Lestat]

2. Why did he quit?

Is it because he lost one championship? Oh boo fucking hoo. Most teams would be happy to be that far in the playoffs.

[Champ]

3. His contract is up

And talks of him leaving has been going on for quite some time. This has been expected for awhile, plus with the looks of things the Lakers are pretty much dismantled. It was definately an interesting season this year based on the chain of events

[drumwolf]

4. How well did Kobe get along with his teammates?

I heard not very. Is that a factor in his decision to leave?

[Champ]

5. I don't know

I heard from people close to many of the players the media oversensalized things. I heard he also developed somewhat of a bond with Karl Malone but I'm not sure, I wasn't there. Can anyone picture Kobe as a Clipper?

[Zech Marquis]

6. he was dissing Shaq since last summer

from the time he was arrested for the alleged rape, Kobe was whiming about not getting enough support from some of his team mates. THEN he called O'Neal "fat" and out of shape :eyes:

Let Kobe be "the man" in LA (if he's not in prison by then) next season--I bet Shaq would LOVE to go back to Orlando and play with McGrady, Okafor (if they keep the number 1 pick), and whatevr free agents would flock to play with Shaq.

[Champ]

7. If Shaq goes to Orlando

I'm sure LA will possibly get McGrady (or the #1) in return. Both (Shaq and T-Mac) are under trade talks. But if I was Orlando I wouldn't do it because Shaq is older and McGrady has many great years ahead of him if he doesn't get injured. But I would've loved to see T-Mac stay in Toronto. Vince Carter & T-Mac would've been awesome together.

[Zech Marquis]

8. besides

no one else has enough cap room or picks to get Shaq except Orlando...so we'll see what happens pretty soon.

[Forkboy]

9. I want to know where's he going

so I know who to root against next year :evilgrin: