The greatest coach in NBA history can’t pull the last one out

Guard Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers wipes his face during play against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2011 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson has won 11 NBA Championship titles, more than any other coach in pro-basketball, but Sunday’s big loss against the Dallas Mavericks (122-86) served up the second worst loss of his career. In addition to seeing his team swept out of the playoffs, earlier in the day Jackson was fined thirty-five thousand dollars for bad mouthing the refs. Team that up with a couple embarrassing fouls from two star players and last night ended the Lakers' shot at another “three-peat." Jackson has said this would be his final season coaching. The Zen master coach has thrown in the towel before but this time it looks like it’s going to stick. Jackson is dealing with some health issues and after several decades in the game he’s tired. But is this really the end for one of basketball’s winningest coaches? And if so, who will be the next Lakers’ head coach? And with this stunning defeat, what’s next for the Lakers? Can they pull it back together, or is this the end of a dynasty?

Lakers coach Phil Jackson has won 11 NBA Championship titles, more than any other coach in pro-basketball, but Sunday’s big loss against the Dallas Mavericks (122-86) served up the second worst loss of his career. In addition to seeing his team swept out of the playoffs, earlier in the day Jackson was fined thirty-five thousand dollars for bad mouthing the refs. Team that up with a couple embarrassing fouls from two star players and last night ended the Lakers' shot at another “three-peat." Jackson has said this would be his final season coaching. The Zen master coach has thrown in the towel before but this time it looks like it’s going to stick. Jackson is dealing with some health issues and after several decades in the game he’s tired. But is this really the end for one of basketball’s winningest coaches? And if so, who will be the next Lakers’ head coach? And with this stunning defeat, what’s next for the Lakers? Can they pull it back together, or is this the end of a dynasty?

Guest:

Sam Amick, Columnist for Sports Illustrated