Say what you want about Brad-baby, but he really seemed to have taught Spence quite a bit. I know Spence continued to do pretty well last season after he left. But perhaps we need a starting big who can also teach Spence? I know we have SAR etc., but maybe a player-mentor is in order? Just a random thought. And no, I don't want B-52 back. Wish Vlade was still playing.

As for Jackson, when his teams begin the playoffs, he always pulls out his most recent championship ring and wears it. It's a tradition for him -- it's also become annoying.

"I've been wearing one now from 2002 through two other championship runs that failed and two other playoff attempts that didn't go anywhere," Jackson said. "I was thinking the other day, 'I've got to get rid of that ring.'

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers-playoffs18-2009apr18,0,3141257.story

Gee, I wonder if it's jinxed, Phil? Wonder why that might be.....

Played under Pete Carril, was a successful businessman in between playing and coaching, had the passion for b-ball to take on a job w/ a winless team for one tenth his former salary, and made them an almost .500 team w/ virtually the same personel.

Plus, well, he's kinda well connected. Might raise attendance at Arco just on the off chance that the POTUS shows up. I know, I know, the last thing we need is another untested in the NBA college coach, but can he be any worse than the last three?