Los Angeles Times reporter Andrew Graves reported that in response to the Lakers' various troubles this season, Jenny Bass and Curt Lambis have been consulting "Zen master" Phil Jackson and have received some important advice, including trading Anthony Davis for AndreAy Ayton, relegating LeBron James to the team's second or even third choice point. Sources confirm that Lakers owner Jenny Bass plans to take Zen master's advice and gradually implement it this summer.
At the end of the season, frank Vogel's dismissal seemed a foregone conclusion, but the next person to coach the Lakers will not be Phil Jackson, and his 77-year-old age is no longer suitable for head coaching. However, "Zen Master" is Jenny Bass's ex-fiancé, and Lambis has long served as an assistant coach on his coaching team, and his recent return to Los Angeles is mainly to provide some behind-the-scenes advice to help the Lakers out of the predicament.
"Throughout the season, Bath and Lambis consulted Phil Jackson frequently on the affairs of the team, especially around the complex relationship between Westbrook and James, and no one has more experience in dealing with how superstars play together." Andrew Grave said, "But the key between Phil Jackson and James is more sensitive, and they don't like each other. ”
James's dislike of "Zen Master" does not prevent the Lakers management from seeking advice from him, and he still has a significant influence on the Lakers. "Jenny Bass trusts Phil Jackson, and Lambis has a fairly high voice in the Lakers." Andrew Graves continued, and news from Lakers management confirmed that Zen had given some advice for the Lakers' adjustments this summer, including persuading James to play tactically around Davis and hand over control of the game.
"James is 37 years old, he is not competitive as the team's first choice point, he is not old enough to fulfill the obligation of the team's first choice point, he needs to transform into the team's second and third choice points, which is good for him and the team." Phil Jackson believes that James should not only catch up with Abdul-Jabbar in terms of scoring, but also hand over the team to the youngsters in order to achieve the championship goal like "Skyhook". Abdul-Jabbar was able to win the title at the age of 38 and 41, mainly because he devoted himself to the younger magicians, and finally made a legendary history.
'There's no doubt james can still play really good games, he takes care of his body very carefully, but he has to face the rules of the human body, he can only play 25 minutes per game, and the rest of the time is given to the young players. Phil Jackson pointed out that this will both extend James's career and keep the team competitive. According to the Zen master's suggestion, asking James to give up the core position of the team is tantamount to conspiring with the tiger.
Zen also pointed out that Lakers trainers and team doctors need to figure out the cause of Davis' health problems.
"Make sure Davis plays at least 72 or more games a season, and strengthen lower limb strength and confrontation through systematic training." Phil Jackson speculated that Davis' lack of lower limb strength and lack of confrontation were the main reasons for his vulnerability to injury, "If Davis can't guarantee health and playing time, and can't afford the task of the team's first choice point, the Lakers should consider making a trade." ”
Davis has also played just 75 games in his best season, only 36 last season and only 39 so far this season. Andrew Grave revealed that Zen Master suggested that the Lakers and Suns discuss Davis's replacement of AndreAy Ayton with a solution to the Lakers' problems. "Phil Jackson said that what the Lakers need is to get a young, healthy core of the team, in this regard, Ayton is the answer to the Lakers, and he believes that Ayton is a player who can become the core of the Lakers' future team building." Andrew Grave said, "Lakers bossEs Jenny Bass, Lambis and management are seriously considering and executing Zen Master's advice. ”