12/21/24
February 01, 2005
Rudy T stepping down?: Ric Bucher is reporting that Rudy T will step down as coach of the Lakers after tonights Lakers/Blazers game.
posted by lilnemo to basketball at 03:21 PM - 9 comments
I am shocked. Please tell me this is a mistake.
posted by dusted at 04:32 PM on February 01, 2005
Here's an article that says no decision has yet been made, but resigning was an option. It will be on every sports page by tomorrow, so who knows if it can be undone... Wow, just wow. I hope he's healthy and cancer-free.
posted by dusted at 04:47 PM on February 01, 2005
First reaction is that Kobe strikes again. Can't wait to hear the impending Shaq quotes.
posted by geekyguy at 08:43 PM on February 01, 2005
Wait a minute. Now they're saying they might ask Phil Jackson to return? Yeah rigggghttttt, that will go over great with the walking soap opera Kobe. Then of course, Phil would have to abandon Luc Longley, his Indian Ocean swimming partner (no I'm not kidding, read the article). What a weird situation. Only in LA. bugmenot for LA Times
posted by dusted at 12:13 PM on February 02, 2005
I gotta disagree with ya there. I don't think Kobe has anything to do with this one. He may have played a part in Shaq & Phil getting the bumrush, but not Rudy. Wasn't it reported that Rudy had a meeting with Dr. Buss and Mitch that ended with Rudy "leaving upset"? And then he's got some sort of stomach illness thats kept him out the past few games. This paints Dr. Buss as more of a hard-ass than most have thought, which lends some credence to the notion that Buss had more to do with the offseason exodus than he was previously given credit for. No, I think Kobe actually likes Rudy, but Rudy can't handle the owner with unrealistic expectations, who is apparently busting his balls. As far as Phil is concerned, Kobe is apparently amenable to his return. And Phil is willing, for a price. Though I wonder if his price will fluctuate from the last negotiation.
posted by lilnemo at 02:29 PM on February 02, 2005
Rudy resigned. Frank Hamblen is the interim head coach. I can't see Jackson returning for any price. I think he'll coach again, but the Lakers no longer have dominant talent. Kobe and Odom might advance in the East, but not in the West. Based on that and the personalities involved (Kobe, Buss, hard-to-please fans), LA isn't the dream job it once was.
posted by dusted at 05:02 PM on February 02, 2005
The NY Times had an article yesterday or Monday about Jackson being the apple of Isiah's eye and that Mr. 9 Rings is interested but not until next season.
posted by billsaysthis at 06:36 PM on February 02, 2005
Jackson in NY makes sense, except they have even worse talent than the Lakers. They're also paying big money to mediocre players with long contracts, so a turnaround is not likely. I could see Jackson coaching a team like Minnesota, Dallas, Denver or Houston... teams that just need a good system and leadership to bring them to the next level.
posted by dusted at 07:21 PM on February 02, 2005
I don't know what to think of this. It's hard to determine whether Rudy has had enough of basketball, and wants to ease into retirement or if Kobe and his team are too much for him to bear. He's been getting called out by a lot of fans for his lineups and substitution patterns. Which I don't understand, what do they expect him to do with what he's been given. I'm sorry for you Rudy. You deserved better than this.