Phil Jackson has been finding his way into the headlines a lot lately as the NBA legend makes his rounds along the media outlets pushing a new book. The former Los Angeles Lakers coach has had plenty to say about his former team and their noted struggles during the 2012 season. While he has spent a lot of time addressing the Lakers coaching situation, he is now calling out superstar, Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant's nickname is "Black Mamba" as the All-Star is known for his toughness and thick skin. However, according to Jackson, Bryant is not as tough as many make him out to be.
The coach went on Colin Cowherd's ESPN radio show to discuss how Bryant cannot handle any sort of criticism.
"He's very sensitive. I had to be really careful in criticizing him. I learned immediately as I started to deal with him as a young man how sensitive he was in particular if it was done in a group setting. My criticism was best done if it was in my office or alone," Jackson said.
Bryant has earned a reputation throughout his storied career that he has ice running through his veins. As a five-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer, Bryant might not have the mental toughness everyone thought he was made of.
The 11-time champion coach was not just throwing criticism towards Bryant, he spent some time addressing the coaching situation in Los Angeles. While the Lakers have a coach in Mike D'Antoni, Jackson is not satisfied. He believes the team needs to beef up their assistants to help bring improvement.
"I would find one of my assistant coaches to work with me to help them just as possible because I know I what they need. I think they need to get back inside, where the strength of their team is and use that presence in there to dominate games. I think there is a way to do that," Jackson said.
After promotion for "Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success" is finished, Jackson will have to plot his next move. The 67-year old has made it clear that he does not intend on returning to the NBA as a coach, but might take on another role with a team in the front office. Right now, he is helping the Detroit Pistons in their coaching search while still technically being retired.
