Lakers Executive Vice President, Jeanie Buss, checks in with her thoughts on the Lakers recent trade to acquire Trevor Ariza, Chick Hearn night, and Phil Jackson's contract extension.
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December 6th, 2007
Thursday, Dec 6
The new tag line for the NBA is “Where Amazing Happens.” It is also where trades happen. It is never easy for anyone. Last month the Lakers traded Brian Cook and Maurice Evans to the Orlando Magic for Trevor Ariza. My understanding is that it is a good deal for both teams. Orlando needed the outside scoring Cook provides and Mo Evans will fit nicely as an athletic swingman. Ariza will contribute defense off the bench for the Lakers. Okay, that is the basketball interpretation – it is still hard to say good-bye. It is important to me that all former Lakers do well as they move on. I also welcome Ariza home as he returns to LA. I wonder if he was a Lakers fan growing up.
We honored Chick Hearn on November 25 during the New Jersey game. The give away was my favorite so far – a mini-talking replica of Chick! We were able to use actual voice recordings of popular “Chick-isms” including the unforgettable “the game is in the refrigerator!” Marge Hearn was our hostess of the evening introducing this years recipients of the scholarships created in Chick’s name at the University of Southern California Annenberg School of Communications. Marge looked adorable as usual. She continues to amaze me with her tireless charity work in memory of her beloved Francis. Marge called me the day after Chick night and left a message that the mini-Chick was her favorite give away yet. Wait until she sees what I have for next year!
Well, the biggest news of the week was the announcement of Phil’s two year contract extension. Dr. Buss spent an hour alone with Phil the day before the announcement and had a heart to heart talk with Phil. I don’t know exactly what they spoke about but I know that Phil values my father’s opinion. Phil expressed his desire to be a part of the Lakers organization which he has grown so fond of. It was pointed out to me that at the conclusion of the extension, Phil will have been with the Lakers longer than he was with the Chicago Bulls. When I was asked by Mark Heisler of the LA Times for a quote about the extension I was literally speechless – it is my wish come true. Phil’s desire? To win another NBA Championship with Kobe. That’s why he came back in the first place.
I’ve been writing this while watching the Lakers victory at Denver tonight. Yippee! The Lakers were impressive in the second game of a back to back playing a fast paced game from the start which literally took the Nuggets by surprise. Playing at that altitude gives the home team an even greater advantage yet the Lakers didn’t seem to feel it. I was worried that the Lakers would tire out in the second half like they did against Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago but they showed the maturity and poise to come back from 4 points down with 3 minutes to go and win by 4. Phil will be calling any minute – I’ll congratulate him first and then ask him about Kobe’s shoulder. Thank goodness they have 3 days off until the next game on Sunday.
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Jeanie's Journal
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