Lakers News and Rumors Recap: To Phil, Kobe is Second Best

Michael-Jordan-Quote2Bits and pieces of Phil Jackson’s new book keep popping up online. Despite the number of stories and history in the novel, one thing really stood out; Phil Jackson would take Michael Jordan over Kobe Bryant.

We all revere Kobe as an incredible leader. But Phil seems to think MJ had him beat:

“One of the biggest differences between the two stars from my perspective was Michael’s superior skills as a leader. Though at times he could be hard on his teammates, Michael was masterful at controlling the emotional climate of the team with the power of his presence.  Kobe had a long way to go before he could make that claim. He talked a good game, but he’d yet to experience the cold truth of leadership in his bones, as Michael had in his bones.”

Granted, over the years Bryant grew into his leadership role, and as of late, has been praised for his ability to bring the best out in his comrades. Another thing Phil talked about, which isn’t that surprising, is Bryant’s insufficient defense:

“No question, Michael was a tougher, more intimidating defender. He could break through virtually any screen and shut down almost any player with his intense, laser-focused style of defense. In general, Kobe tends to rely more heavily on his flexibility and craftiness, but he takes a lot of gambles on defense and sometimes pays the price.”

Kobe responded to the news today of Phil’s comparisons via his Twitter, stating:

“The comparisons are #apples2oranges,” the tweet said. “Wonder what the perception would be if M played wit @shaq instead #differentroles #differentcareerpaths.”

To catch more on what Phil Jackson spoke about, watch his segment last night with Jay Leno. The former head coach touched upon Jordan and his off the court leadership and the difference between him and Kobe in that regard. He also explained what happened when the Lakers chose to hire Mike D’Antoni as head coach over him.

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Lakers News

Lakers 2013 Free Agency Discussion: Raja Bell [Silver Screen and Roll]

Stealing the Phoenix Suns Training Staff Would be the Next Evolution of Big Market Muscle for the Lakers [Silver Screen and Roll]

Phil Jackson Discusses Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Los Angeles Lakers in New Book [Silver Screen and Roll]

Kobe Makes the Big Bucks [LA Times]

Player Capsule: Jodie Meeks [Los Angeles Lakers]

The Other Side Of K.O.B.E. [The Sports Fan Journal]

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan: Phil Jackson Throws Book at Kobe [latimes.com]

Player Capsule: Dwight Howard [THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS]

Kobe Bryant Once Took a Dip in Shark-Infested Waters, Because He’s Kobe Bryant [Ball Don’t Lie]

Jackson Book: MJ Over Kobe [ESPN]

Podcast: Questions Surrounding Dwight Howard, Poor Disney World Ethics, Sleepover Crime [Land O Lakers]

Kobe Bryant’s Shooting Habits Aren’t What You Might Think They Are [Forum Blue and Gold]

The Secret History of Kobe Bryant’s Rap Career [Grantland]

Kobe Bryant is Highest-Paid Athlete in L.A. [latimes.com]

Possible Lakers Free-Agent Targets [Lakers Index]

Podcast: Bring It To The Altar – The NBA Playoffs Edition [The Sports Fan Journal]

The Lakers Are in for an Un-Lakerslike Summer [Land O Lakers]

NBA News

The Exact Moment The Derrick Rose Situation Went Wrong [Dime Magazine]

Postseason MVP Rankings: 1-2 [ESPN Insider]

Spurs Hold Off Warriors, Advance to West finals [Yahoo! Sports]

Scottie Pippen: “LeBron Would Kick MJ’s Ass” (Via Alonzo Mourning) [Dime Magazine]

A Disappointing End for Durant, but Maybe a Necessary One [CBSSports.com]

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder [ESPN]

Examining Warriors’ Playoff run [5 on 5]

Harrison Barnes Is Finally Becoming The Player We Thought He Would Be [The Sports Fan Journal]

Seattle Media Enraged by NBA Commissioner David Stern’s Oklahoma City Thunder Comment [The Point Forward]

Pelicans’ New Practice Center Taking Shape [NBA.com]

NBA Draft Prospect Works Out With Greg Oden, Says He Looks “Unbelievable” [Dime Magazine]

Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat [ESPN]

Reggie Miller Wants a Front-Office NBA Job [CBSSports.com]

Why Do the Knicks Keep Playing Jason Kidd? [ProBasketballTalk]

Hawks Consider Historic Hire of European Coach Ettore Messina [Yahoo! Sports]

J.R. Smith of New York Knicks Shoulders Blame [ESPN New York]

NBA Pre-Draft Camp’s Players to Watch, Including Five Sleepers [Yahoo! Sports]

Doc Rivers Will Return as Celtics Coach [ProBasketballTalk]

What’s Next for the Warriors? [ESPN Insider]

Mike Greenberg, Dwyane Wade And The Clothes That Make Men [The Sports Fan Journal]

Small Ball, No George Hill, Enough for Knicks to Win, Stave Off Elimination [ProBasketballTalk]

Lessons Learned About Miami Heat as They Advance to Eastern Conference Finals [The Point Forward]

Pacers’ Depth of Options Leave Knicks Guessing Wrong Again [SI.com]

Manu Ginobili Breaks Harrison Barnes’ Ankles With A Behind-The-Back Dribble [House of Highlights]

Lindsey Hunter Discusses Suns’ Coaching Job with New GM [Yahoo! Sports]

Tyson Chandler Destroys Tyler Hansbrough’s Layup Into The Stands [Dime Magazine]

Seattle Still Without NBA After Relocation Denied [NBA.com]

Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas Mavericks Plans to Take Huge Pay Cut [ESPN Dallas]

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