Kobe gives Carmelo tips in dealing with Phil Jackson

NBA News – Phil Jackson essentially calling Carmelo Anthony a ball hog on CBS Sports Network’s We Need to Talk on Tuesday irked the Knicks All-Star. It was a strangely timed criticism since the Knicks had been on a three-game win streak at the time, and for once it seemed like everything was heading in the right direction.

Anthony first didn’t want to respond to Jackson’s comments. But then he took to social media to cryptically address the situation. And then on Friday, Anthony directly responded to Jackson through the media, telling reporters that the Knicks didn’t need Phil Jackson’s negativity bogging down their season. And while Anthony may have taken a circuitous route to address Jackson’s comments, it turns out he may have done so because of the advice of Kobe Bryant.

Having played for Jackson for over a decade, the formerLakers star is well versed in the ways of the Zen Master, so Anthony has reached out to Bryant on more than one occasion to discuss dealing with the Knicks team president.

From ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne:

Carmelo Anthony said he has had “countless conversations” with former Lakers great Kobe Bryant about the best ways of dealing with how Phil Jackson criticizes the Knicks star through the media.

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“That’s something I’ve learned over the years, especially with Phil,” Anthony said, referring to the advice Bryant gave him. “[Jackson’s] going to talk. Nobody can stop that. So try not to read into it too much.”

Bryant has been the subject of Jackson’s criticism on more than one occasion and was called out specifically in the former Lakers coach’s book The Last Season. But while the two did clash at times, they also worked exceptionally well together and learned how to have a mutually beneficial relationship, which is why Bryant is the perfect person to talk to Anthony about Jackson.

Anthony likely used Bryant’s advice when he, in an effort to put this drama behind them, met with Jackson on Saturday. However, according to the New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy, it doesn’t sound like the relationship between Jackson and Anthony has gotten stronger after their meeting.

Anthony said he and Jackson spoke prior to practice at the University of Southern California, calling the pow wow “short.” A source told the Daily News it lasted only about two minutes. And when Anthony was summoned outside the gym by Jackson, players teased him with, “Oooooh, you got called to the principal’s office,” according to a source. In other words, this wasn’t some great unifying experience.

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“I’m pretty sure I’ll be in his book,” Anthony said. “I’ll be in a couple books.

This doesn’t sound like the most fruitful and engaging of meetings.

Poor meeting or not, Anthony may have put the whole situation behind him as he had one of his better games of the season Saturday, finishing with 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Knicks’ 103-100 win over the Kings.

If Anthony keeps playing like that and the Knicks are winning, perhaps Jackson will keep his comments to himself and not create any more drama. If not, perhaps Anthony will have to reach out to Bryant yet again to provide some comfort and solace in the face of Jackson’s continued negativity.

Category: Basketball