LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant had a message to Knicks fans and maybe even to Carmelo Anthony: Trust Phil Jackson.
“The people in New York need to trust the fact he knows more about the game than any of them put together,’’ Bryant said in his post-game press conference after scoring just 14 points in the Knicks’ 90-87 victory over the Lakers at Staples Center. “In my opinion, he’s the greatest coach in any profession – ever.’’
Asked about the negative perception the Zen Master won titles because of great players, Bryant said the Lakers or Bulls don’t win without Jackson.
“I think we don’t win any of those championships without him, I don’t think Chicago wins any of those championships without him,’’ Bryant said. “And, I heard the argument that’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard — that Phil won because he had great players. No s–t, Sherlock. What are you going to win with, a bunch of scrubs? It’s like the silliest argument in the world to me. And he’s the greatest coach, in my opinion, he’s the greatest coach in any profession. Ever.”
It should be noted neither Bryant or Michael Jordan won a title until Jackson came along as head coach.
Bryant said the one thing he’ll miss about never facing the Knicks again is “talking smack to Spike [Lee] on the sideline.’’
Lee was in attendance at Staples Center, doing a jig after Jose Calderon’s 3-point, buzzer-beating game-winner.
Bryant said he speaks to Jackson every few months – which may be the same as Anthony, who had a meeting with the Zen Master during this West Coast trip.
Bryant has only one month left to his career and no more games against the Knicks.
“I’m ready,” he said. “These next 15 games should be fun and the last one should be the most fun.”