Things weren't always well with Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and current New York Knicks president Phil Jackson.
It will be recalled that the two were previously together in Los Angeles, something that produced five NBA world titles.
Jackson actually coached the Lakers on two occasions. The first was of course the more raucous one which nevertheless delivered three NBA titles to LA (2000 to 2002).
Despite that mileage, it was never a bed of roses for the Lakers. Bryant, young and rising then, had his share of conflict with big man Shaquille O' Neal. It wouldn't be long when the Lakers would be forced to choose and apparently that was why the team decided to trade O' Neal in 2004 to the Miami Heat for three players - Lamar Odom, Brian Grant and Caron Butler.
The choice was obvious. Bryant was young and improving while Shaq was nearing the twilight of his career. No matter how hard they tried, it was obvious that the two had differences which led to their eventual parting.
Apparently, Bryant had his issues with Jackson as well. Being young at the time, Bryant typified a player who wanted to do anything he wished freely. He didn't want to be controlled or disciplined, something that Kobe was apparently against.
Regardless, Jackson still had his way and obviously all that led to the three NBA titles that Bryant, O'Neal and Jackson enjoyed at the time. However, it wasn't long before Jackson would step back and the Lakers found themselves struggling in the succeeding years.
Surprisingly, Jackson would return in 2007 and just like that, the Lakers were contenders once more. With a mature Bryant aboard, the Lakers were able to win two more NBA titles (2009, 2010). As pointed out by Jackson, the second coming was far different from the first one where he had to deal with a rebellious Bryant who obviously had the full support of management.
However, that was the last of the Lakers glory years and now Bryant finds himself in a similar situation that O'Neal was during the celebrated clashes - nearing the twilight of his career.
Unlike that time though, Bryant doesn't seem to have problems with any player thus far. It seems he doesn't have any issues with Byron Scott as well. The question is: will Bryant still be that important to the Lakers management after suffering injuries from the past seasons which forced him to spend more time in the sidelines?
Well, it was mentioned before that Bryant is longer a key factor when it comes to player acquisitions and movements and based on the Lakers' offseason moves, that seems pretty much the case.
It is obvious that Bryant has matured immensely but at some point, he is expected to retire from the game. Known as a stubborn player, Bryant is likely to retire only when his body is unable to take on the rigorous tolls the NBA carries.
As far as Jackson is concerned, his philosophy continues. His preference of employing control and discipline will stick and hopefully the Knicks can realize the gains from such soon.