bp,

Yeah, Phil claims he had cancer and told the players before the Mavs series. It didn't leak out until now. I think he hoped it would be a motivating factor (like walsh he's a master of psyops) but that series was a mental disaster. The Lakers need a different coach, that much we know for sure. With the personnel they have they should at least be able to win a first round playoff series. And I can't blame D'Antini for all the injuries, although he shouldn't have let Kobe over rule him when and where he pulls Kobe out of the game. Kobe was not going to allow his team to not get in the playoffs and clearly his will is greater than his aging body at this point in time. A coach who knows how to manage the bigs, like Phil, is clearly better for this team than a coach who likes little guys who run around alot like D'Antini or Nellie. Posting up Pau is one of the most ludricrous coaching decisions I think I've ever seen. Keep the bigs down low for defense, quick scoring, and the outlet pass. Howard and Pau healthy together are the new twin towers and who in their right mind would compromise that combination for the sake of the high post pick and roll? So far Jim Buss is an idiot, a disgrace to the greatness established by his Father.