Will Kobe Bryant’s Coach-Killer Rep Hamper Finding the Right Guy?

For all of his gifts, Kobe Bryant can certainly complicate relationships with people in his workplace. As a result, Bryant’s less-than-accommodating personality likely makes replacing former head coach Mike D’Antoni a difficult task.

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen the at-times destructive nature of his attitude throughout his career, be it with coaches or players. 

For instance, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson wrote a book titled The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul in which he recapped the 2003-04 campaign and offered stinging remarks about Bryant to management (via The Associated Press): “I won’t coach this team next year if he is still here. He won’t listen to anyone. I’ve had it with this kid.”

He and L.A. parted ways in the 2004 offseason , but Jackson reunited with Bryant after spending a season away from the sport. The pair developed a healthy working relationship, which allowed Bryant to reach impressive statistical milestones.

However, those years took a toll on him. After three years without coming close to title contention, Bryant publicly demanded a trade from the Lakers. Luckily for L.A., the team brought him back into the fold and then began competing again for championships by acquiring Pau Gasol via trade.

The Lakers won two titles after Jackson and Bryant got reacquainted.

Interestingly enough, whenever Bryant has been unsuccessful in getting what he wants, he’s had some form of tantrum.

That behavior is what prompted him to challenge Lakers management to upgrade the roster despite the fact he only appeared in six games this season due to a torn Achilles and fractured knee.

Any prospective head coach would be joining the Lakers knowing full well that this is the reality he must accept. Placating Bryant is a must, otherwise he might act out and get his coach fired.

One could ...

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