DALLAS — It’s possible that Kobe Bryant will be highly motivated to get the Lakers a victory in Washington on Feb. 3. That’s the deadline day for the NBA to determine who will coach the Western Conference in the Feb. 17 All-Star Game, and Bryant is hoping to drag a reluctant Phil Jackson with him to New Orleans. Whichever team has the best record in the West – excluding Phoenix, because Mike D’Antoni coached the All-Stars last year – gets the job.
“It’s an honor to be representing your team, but God help me if I have to go to the All-Star Game,” Jackson said. “I really wouldn’t want to do that.”
Jackson has long loathed the All-Star weekend pomp, with all its emphasis on individuals.
“I have a reservation at a place somewhere to relax and retreat during that period of time,” Jackson said. “But Kobe told me about a week ago, we’re going to send you there regardless.”
