Coach Jackson has declared this his "last stand" and looks to end his career with a 12th championship, completing an incredible four three-peats. And while it is obvious that his legacy is primed for even more success if the Los Angeles Lakers complete this task, it is a little unclear how the retirement of the spiritual force that drives this Lakers team has no effect on the mission at hand.
Phil Jackson's retirement does not negatively affect the Los Angeles Lakers, which is unusual. When there is a coaching change, there is usually a sense of turmoil surrounding a team, but this isn't a Lakers team that has a losing atmosphere.
This isn't a Lakers team that hasn't accomplished the things that their talent is expecting. This is a team that has won it all the past two years and a coach who has produced winning results throughout his career.
If anything, I would argue that Phil Jackson's retirement has a positive effect on this team. It almost seems like destiny, for Coach Jackson to finish with a nice even number of four three-peats...12 championships...12! It is a ridiculous number when you realize how difficult it truly is, in any sport, to not only become a champion, but to remain a champion.
And if you count his ring with the New York Knicks as a player, it comes to a grand total of thirteen. It only seems right for the Zen Master to finish with a number like 13.
I must admit though, that I have no clue whether numbers mean anything in Zen Buddhism, but for mere mortals like us, I like to think it means a little. I like ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
