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Added incentive Lakers want to win one for the Zen MasterPosted: Wednesday June 12, 2002 12:03 AM
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- As if the Nets didn’t have enough to worry about. Now the Lakers apparently want to win one for the Zen Master. Upset over a perceived lack of respect for coach Phil Jackson, Lakers forward Rick Fox indicated Monday his team might have added incentive heading into Game 4 on Wednesday. "It’s becoming personal for us now," Fox said, when asked about frequent criticism that Jackson has been more lucky than good on his path to a record nine NBA titles. "It’s offensive." With a Game 4 victory, Jackson would tie Red Auerbach’s record for most NBA titles (nine). He would also surpass Pat Riley as the league’s all-time winningest playoff coach (156). Some critics, including Auerbach, have noted that Jackson has benefited from coaching four of the league’s greatest players of all time in Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. "There’s been a lot of talk about him having great players and not having to coach a lot," Lakers guard Derek Fisher says. "That’s fine. We’ll accept that as it comes. But I think it’s very obvious that his record speaks for itself. Hopefully, we as players can continue to go out and do our part to help build his legacy." While it’s hardly a surprise that players would stick up for their coach, the Lakers seem genuinely puzzled by the debate. While Jackson has brushed off the criticism, they point to his ability to foster a team environment, get Shaq and Kobe on the same page, keep players rested and healthy heading into the postseason, and devise strategic adjustments whenever needed as key contributions to L.A.’s three-peat. "Phil has a great understanding of the game, and when to be a coach and when to just be part of the group," Fisher says. "It’s very obvious he’s in control of the situation, but he also allows us as players to enjoy being here. He doesn’t try to kill us physically. He really challenges us emotionally and mentally." Lakers guard Brian Shaw adds that Jackson’s relaxed demeanor has helped the team handle pressure situations. "He’s real laid back, relaxed and calm," Shaw said. "It probably has something to do with the off-court things he does -- meditation and yoga. He always talks to us about being relaxed yet being alert. I think you see that in our team, the way we handle pressure situations." Fox, perhaps Jackson’s most vocal defender, says he understands that people can have different opinions. He just wants the critics to know that they’re only feeding the Lakers’ competitive fires. "When you hear comments that question his ability to coach or if it’s just the talent he’s had, it’s offensive," Fox says. "It’s something that’s starting to [upset] a lot of people that know him." The Nets can only hope the Lakers don’t decide to take it out on them. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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