Speaking on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on ESPN Radio, the Zen Master had this to say, via Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com:
"I think they need to get back inside, where the strength of their team is and use that presence in there to dominate games. I think there is a way to do that."
It's a critique that doesn't quite fit with the way the team is composed.
Cowherd quite rightly pointed out that working the ball inside wouldn't fit with Mike D'Antoni's system. Jackson danced around the comment a bit and said the organization hitched its wagons to D'Antoni and only time will tell if it works.
With D'Antoni as head coach, you can't expect the Lakers to constantly work the ball inside to Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard (if the latter is even there next year). You can blame the coach somewhat for not utilizing the big men properly. When Howard and Gasol became more involved in the offense toward the end of the season, Los Angeles made its push into the postseason.
On the other hand, what else would management have expected? Everyone could see D'Antoni's system wouldn't fit with the Lakers' personnel. Expecting D'Antoni to overhaul his entire approach would be akin to asking Kobe Bryant to tone down on the scoring in favor of passing the ball more.
Over a few games, you could see it happen. But the coach will eventually work his back to what he's known for.
It doesn't make sense to hire a coach known for his fast-paced offense when the team is full of older players who can't run the floor, including two big men like Gasol and Howard who will demand the ball.
In addition, the biggest problem with relying on Howard and Gasol is that the traditional big man is becoming outmoded in the NBA. You don't see teams moving the ball into the post like you did in the 19...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
