Ahead of the 1999–2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as their head coach. This decision was widely seen as a pivotal moment that could significantly change the team’s trajectory. However, before he could effectively coach the dominant Shaquille O’Neal, Jackson held an impressive initial meeting that set the tone for the season ahead.
In a recent episode of the Big Podcast with Shaw, host O’Neal recalls his first meeting with Jackson. He noted that Jackson gave him a task to move a log across a lake before agreeing to coach him.
“I knock on the door, and he’s like, hey, I need you to move that log, because he lived, like, he lived by a lake, and there was a big log coming up on a thing. Move to other, I need you to move that log to the island over there.” O’Neal said.
Without waiting for a response, Jackson turned sharply and firmly closed the door as he left. The Lakers experienced a disappointing playoff exit in 1999, and Jackson’s addition as head coach was crucial to their future success. However, before that could happen, O’Neal needed to move the significant obstacles presented by Jackson.
Jackson Agrees To Mentor O’Neal Following Task
O’Neal and Kobe Bryant formed a remarkable partnership, showcasing exceptional skills and delivering many impressive performances that led the league. Additionally, Jackson’s strategic guidance further enhanced their effectiveness as a team. Later in the interview, O’Neal mentioned that Jackson’s son helped him move the log.
“It took about two hours, and then when I came back, he said, all right, I’m ready to coach you. I’ll see you. Like, we didn’t even have a conversation. He said, all right, and then left. But if I’d have been like, man, I ain’t moving that motherf***ing log, he’d probably wouldn’t have coached,” O’Neal said.
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The addition of Jackson was a significant advantage for the team, allowing O’Neal and Kobe Bryant to lead the Lakers to an impressive three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. Despite this success, Big Diesel is frequently overlooked in discussions about the greatest of all time (GOAT), which frustrates him.
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