Brian Shaw Explains Phil Jackson’s Special Approach With Early-Career Kobe Bryant
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Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Brian Shaw says Phil Jackson deliberately coached a young Kobe Bryant differently from the rest of the roster to keep the budding star in “attack mode.” Shaw recalled the strategy during an appearance on “Podcast P with Paul George.”
Jackson, who won 11 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and Lakers, was known for tailoring his methods to the personalities of his top players. According to Shaw, that meant holding Shaquille O’Neal publicly accountable while rarely criticizing the 20-year-old Bryant during the late 1990s.
“Everybody was mad because early on Kobe wouldn’t pass the ball,” Shaw told George. “Phil had no problem cussing Shaq out, but he would never say anything to Kobe.”
Shaw said the team confronted Jackson in a meeting to ask about the perceived double standard. The coach replied that Bryant’s self-confidence was essential to the Lakers’ success and could not be rattled.
To illustrate, Shaw compared Jackson’s approach to advice he once received from a trainer about his German Shepherd puppies: avoid saying “no” for the first six to eight months so the dog develops full confidence before introducing discipline.
“Phil nurtured that confidence in Kobe,” Shaw explained. “Shaq came from a disciplined, military household and was obedient. Kobe was the golden child who needed to feel unstoppable.”
Jackson’s plan shifted as Bryant matured, but Shaw believes the early leniency helped the guard maintain the aggressive style that became a hallmark of the Lakers’ three-peat from 2000 to 2002.
In a separate roster note, league sources told LakersNation that Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith has supporters within the current Lakers front office as the team explores additional depth for the upcoming season.
Source: Lakers Nation
