Phil Jackson has been the President of the New York Knicks for one week and tonight his new team will be at Staples Center to take on the struggling Lakers. It will be the first time the Knicks and Lakers have met since Jackson’s arrival in New York.
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The Zen Master was seen around the arena Tuesday morning for New York’s shootaround, but he is not expected to attend tonight’s game according to NY Post’s Marc Berman:
Phil Jackson not expected to attend Knicks-Lakers game at Staples Center to avoid media/fan circus http://t.co/KWX1gM6b9Z
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) March 24, 2014
While many Laker fans like to chant “We Want Phil” during games, Jackson’s decision to stay away from Staples Center tonight is probably best for both teams. Jackson will no doubt be the focal point of the night, especially if the purple and gold fail to get the victory.
Before Knicks owner James Dolan inked Jackson to a deal in New York, Laker fans were hoping the organization would offer him some sort of role in the front office. Unfortunately, Jeanie Buss stated after the signing that the Lakers didn’t have a role available for Jackson.
With Jackson joining the Knicks, he might have a more difficult long-term task in rebuilding them. Despite going 8-1 in their last nine games, New York is still two and a half games out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
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