Jim Bass Ambition

Chapter 263 The end of the song is scattered
David Stern presented the trophy to Dr. Jerry Buss with a half-smile.

The 14.5-pound, golden O'Brien Cup was passed from Dr. Buss to Jim, then to Phil Jackson, and every Laker player.

Ma Long tried hard to control his emotions, but tears were already streaming down his face.

When they lost the finals that year, Stockton cried bitterly in his arms, but Malone kept his head held high and did not let the tears fall.When he was young, when he was bullied by his brothers on the simple court in the backyard, his mother would teach him "No matter what happens, don't cry!".

After entering the league, Malone violated his mother's teachings twice. The first time was in the draft. When his pick fell all the way and was finally selected by the Jazz with the 13th pick, he cried loudly in the draft. God, what did I do wrong! Send me to this wretched place!"

Under the "guidance" of the famous cancer Adrian Dantley, Malone's first season was a mess. He didn't even dare to fight against others, and because of his homesickness, his first-year phone bill reached $700. .

Later, together with John Stockton, he became the banner of Salt Lake City, and it lasted for 18 years.

Today, this flag will finally be lowered, and the legend will come to an end.

The long 03-04 season has finally come to an end.

Nights in Los Angeles are never peaceful, and today it was even more raucous.

The players went to the carnival, and the staff worked overtime to clean up the messy arena and locker room.

For the Nth time, Jim turned down his cheap daddy and Hugh Hefner's playboy party, locked himself in the office, and drank unconsciously.

Boom, boom, boom...

who I am?Where am I?what am i doing?
Boom, boom, boom...

The assistants are all on leave, the players were overjoyed yesterday, and no one will come today, so who is knocking on the door?
Gathering his mind, Jim got up and opened the door. In front of him was Karl Malone wearing a cowboy hat and a cotton shirt.

"You are such a dedicated and good president. You still worked overtime and slept in the office when you won the championship." Malone glanced at the empty wine bottle on the table and smiled.

"I just don't want to mess up the house too much... sorry, wait for me for 3 minutes." Jim rolled up his coat and ran to the bathroom to tidy up his messy hair.

The conversation between the two was as short as 3 minutes, which was too long.

"You fulfilled your promise, but I'm about to miss the appointment."

"You mean the remaining year of the contract?"

"Yes, Los Angeles is a great place, but I prefer Northern Louisiana."

"Good luck."

"thanks……"

After Malone left, Jim tidied up the messy office, hid the wine bottle, opened the window for ventilation, made a pot of tea, and began to read today's news.

Not long after, someone knocked on the door again.

It was Phil Jackson.

"You came."

"I am coming."

"I knew you would come."

"..."

Instead of continuing the conversation, Zen Master pulled up a chair and sat across from Jim's desk.

"Since you know I will come, then I think you must have the answer."

"Are you sure you want to listen? You know that I have the answer, so I will definitely guess the content of the answer." Jim poured a cup of freshly brewed tea for the two of them.

"Almost, but as an employee, it's always not good to speculate on the mind of the employer." The Zen Master picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"Okay, then I will announce. According to the management's decision, the team will not start contract renewal negotiations with head coach Phil Jackson." Jim said this in a poetic tone.

"While I 99% expected this to be the outcome, it still hurts to actually hear those words come out of your mouth."

"Let's be clear, you don't want the management to interfere too much with your coaching, that's one; you want to have more say in the introduction of players, that's the second...or simply put, you I hope to serve as the head coach and the management team at the same time, but unfortunately, you will never be able to fulfill this wish in the Lakers. Now that you have won more championship rings than Auerbach and Bill Russell, it is time to start It’s a new journey, I’m just pushing the boat along the way to fulfill your wish.” Jim concluded.

"So, we have reached an agreement?" Zen Master did not fight too much. He has paid attention to the recent "coach market". Now, none of the head coaches who are at home can control the Lakers. Once the Lakers' record collapses, Coupled with the operation of some behind-the-scenes promoters, such as fans' joint letter petitions, home stadium slogans, etc., forcing the management to ask him to come out again, then is the real opportunity to sit on the ground and raise prices. Let others recognize their value. Just let him lose for a while.

"Thank you for your dedication over the past few years, which proves that the salary we spend is worthwhile." Jim stood up and held out his hand.

The Zen master gave Jim a meaningful look, and reached out to shake his hand.

After sending Zen Master away, Jim adjusted his breathing and called the team's press officer.

Soon, two news were officially released by the Lakers.

The team's power forward Karl Malone will not implement the player option in the second year of the contract and will officially retire after the end of the season.

The team will not start contract renewal negotiations with head coach Phil Jackson, and will look for a new head coach as soon as possible, and his assistant coaching team, including Tex Winter, Jonny Bach and others will follow Phil Jackson. Following in the footsteps of Michael Jackson, they left the Lakers together.

Ten minutes after the news was sent out, the phone call came in.

"Mitch, calm down, I know you will be the first person to call me." Jim answered Kupchak's call with a calm face.

"Calm down? Just entered the first day of the offseason, and you told the world that we let go of the best head coach in the league! What kind of operation is this? You don't think we have a better candidate than Phil Right?" Kupchak's voice was a little hoarse, obviously last night too.

"If you have any dissatisfaction with me, you can come to the office and explain it to me in person."

Jim hung up the phone and turned it on silent, lay down on the chair and began to close his eyes and meditate.

Half an hour later, Kupchak barged in angrily.

Jim sat on the chair without saying a word, listening to Kupchak's complaints, nothing more than sending away Phil Jackson's drawbacks, and giving the other party room to sit on the ground and raise prices if they fail to achieve a record next year, etc. wait.

"There is still one week to expand the draft, let's get down to business first. The league needs us to submit a protection list containing 8 players. What suggestions do you have? We have no Phil to ask." Wait Kupche After Ke had vented, Jim brought up a new topic.

(End of this chapter)