Lakers Swept, Phil Jackson Retires

After the shock wore off, I started to accept reality. The Dallas Mavericks were running on all cylinders. The Lakers were squeaking by and were exposed to be shadows of their former selves. Since there won’t be any parades running through Figueroa, we may as well learn some lessons.

Great Teams Will Always Beat The Best Player

Kobe Bryant is slowing down himself, but he is still considered the best player on the planet. During their two championship run, his supporting cast played very well and even at All Star levels (Pau Gasol). The Dallas Mavericks known more for their collapses finally put it all together. From their All Star (Dirk Nowitzki) to the role players, they all made each other better and played great team basketball. Some of them had career games and near record breaking performances. Although I am a Laker fan, I had to give it up, the better team won and that is a beautiful thing. In the business world, when you are assembling your team, look for team players and a cohesive unit. You will go farther than a team who has one superstar, but doesn’t mesh well when the going gets tough.

Phil Jackson, Greatest Coach Ever

I’ve heard the haters, “He only coaches teams with the greatest players at the time.” I have to remind them, those great players never won championships until they bought into his Zen philosophy and Triangle offense. He seems so laid back and mellow, it appears he isn’t doing anything, but let his great players dominate. But managing super alpha males in the ultimate of team sports is easier said than done. When faced with a challenge, take a page from Jackson’s philosophy. You have to remain calm and do your best to solve your challenge, whatever it may be. Staying calm, I believe, will give you your best chance.

Lose Like Champions

Granted getting beat by 30 points is not fun and you have pride for being the two time defending champions, but you have to be classy when you lose as well. Your Hall of Fame coach is retiring and you go out like that? Our problems of controlling debt, retirement planning, and making a successful blog is not set on the world stage, but if things don’t go your way, remember to maintain your dignity and class.

Final Thoughts

It would have been a nice story book ending for Phil Jackson to complete another three peat and boost his ring collection to twelve, but this is a good reminder that life isn’t always a fairytale. When reality hits, assess the problem and deal with it the best you can. Phil almost seemed relived it’s over even saying referees won’t have him to push around anymore after getting hit with a $35,000 fine for criticizing them. Having more rings than fingers, having coached some of the greatest basketball players to have played the game, and dating the owner’s daughter, I think Phil Jackson will be just fine. Thanks for the memories and enjoy your retirement!