When Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak called Phil Jackson to tell him the Lakers were hiring Mike D'Antoni instead of him as coach, he responded the only way he knew how.

"I laughed," Jackson told ESPN's "Mike & Mike in the Morning" show Wednesday. "It was humorous to me when Mitch said that we think that Mike is a better coach for this group of guys."

The same way I reacted upon hearing the news.

and still such a class act.

maybe he would do better with some boring old fashioned modesty,

guy's ruining his legacy with all these funny stories,

If Phil Jackson was picking his own dream team, his squad would start with someone other than Michael Jordan.

"In my estimation, the guy that has to be there would be Bill Russell. He has won 11 championships as a player," Jackson said in an interview with Time. "That's really the idea of what excellence is, when you win championships."

Sorry Mike, but Phil's going with Bill first.

ChuckBuck wrote:Phil Jackson on who'd he want first, if he was building a team:

If Phil Jackson was picking his own dream team, his squad would start with someone other than Michael Jordan.

"In my estimation, the guy that has to be there would be Bill Russell. He has won 11 championships as a player," Jackson said in an interview with Time. "That's really the idea of what excellence is, when you win championships."

Sorry Mike, but Phil's going with Bill first.

No matter how old the tree, you always count the rings. 11 out of 13, with no wierdo breaks for little league dreams. Phil played near enough to appreciate that dynasty. Coaches from today's era wouldn't hesitate to forget Russell.

I wonder who Mike would pick first? Stupid question, probably.

IM impressed with the passing Hibbert and West do in the paint.

Even better phil over see things in Brooklyn for the Russian.

No coincidence the rise of the Nets propelled the knicks to the best season in 13 years.

Competition is a good thing. Embrace it.