The Los Angeles Lakers’ compelling win over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals cemented them as the league’s preeminent franchise.
With the draft taking place tonight (Thursday) at Madison Square Garden and the most eagerly anticipated free-agency period arguably in the history of professional sports, every organization will be chasing the Lakers, who are the favorite to win their third straight title next season.
The Lakers’ most significant issues are whether to resign veteran point guard Derek Fisher, whose contract is up, and the uncertainty of Phil Jackson’s return. After winning his 11th championship as a coach, five with the Lakers, the cerebral and spiritual Zen master, who has experienced various medical problems over the past several years, may want to spend more time communing with nature and exploring his inner being on his expansive property in Montana.
Jackson’s departure would certainly impact the dynamics of the Lakers, as his value to the franchise’s success is immense. Even the greatest basketball minds are limited in their ability to win big without having superior talent. And the Lakers have Bryant along with a strong supporting network that includes Pau Gasol.
But Jackson is the supreme manager of egos and personalities. Hell, he was able to get Ron Artest to move from a mental planet occupied by only himself to a place where others also reside, The result was no more evident than in Game 7 when Queensbridge’s finest was the best player on the floor.
Jackson detractors continue to note that Jackson has had the best players for most of the past two decades. So did the late Celtics’ great Red Auerbach when he was churning out champions like a prized stud horse. The bottom line is Jackson has utilized his resources better than his opponents.
We will soon know what uniform LeBron James will be wearing as his career moves forward. Along with fellow free agents Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. Their decisions could momentously shift the league’s balance of power.
While they relish and bask in their kingmaker status, the Lakers, Bryant’s and Jackson’s Lakers, methodically continue to stack chips and remain the NBA’s true royalty.