The Laker newcomers are old to the trade. Gary Payton, who’s celebrating his 35th birthday today, joins in after a forgettable, brief stint at Milwaukee. The Glove leaves no room for point guard Derek Fisher in Jackson’s starting lineup. Not a problem, say Laker diehards, since Fisher took the brunt of the flak for his accommodating defense in the San Antonio series last May. But wait. Payton is convinced he’s a star. He plays like a star and even if he’s agreed to a pay cut for a chance to win a championship, it’s difficult to imagine a star not playing like a star.
Then there’s Karl Malone, the Mailman who’s found a new post office. He turns 40 tomorrow. Although Malone keeps fit and trim, there’s no turning back the hands of time. Malone’s value to the Lakers is he gives Jackson a second post-up option. And he’ll help Shaq off the boards. But what will happen to Malone when the Sacramento Kings, the Dallas Mavericks and the Spurs rev up their engines and attack at full throttle? Simple. Malone gets left behind to breathe the dust of the fastbreak.
So whose big idea was it to bring in oldtimers to the Lakers? Jerry West wouldn’t have dreamed of it and he’s probably chuckling in Memphis whose future is tied up to young prospects not geriatrics.
The finger points to Jackson. General manager Mitch Kupchak has little power in the organization. The man in the controls is Jackson who’s invested heavily in the Lakers by courting owner Jerry Buss’ daughter Jeanie. It’s convenient that Jeanie runs the franchise’s business affairs, meaning she signs the checks and decides who gets what. Jeanie was credited for the astute decision to demote Tex Winter in the coaching staff to create space for Kurt Rambis who couldn’t earn enough as a front office gofer. Coincidentally, Rambis’ wife is Jeanie’s close friend.
Jackson is an impatient man. His philosophy is here and now. Never mind looking at what’s down the road two or three years from today. His mission is to get rich quick.
With four stars in the fold, Jackson probably figures he’s got the mix to scare the wits out of every NBA team in title contention. Laker fans call it the Fab Four, like the Beatles, only they seem more like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse signaling the death knell of a once proud and mighty franchise.
Shaq, slowed down by injuries through the years, is now a ripe 31. Kobe Bryant is the only youngster in the quartet at 24 but at the rate his case of sexual abuse is proceeding, he’ll be a lot older than his age before it’s over.
Bryant himself appears unconvinced of Jackson’s maneuvering. He’s announced that at the end of his contract next year, he’ll likely test the free agent waters.
Listed in the Lakers roster are free agents Mark Madsen, Samaki Walker, Brian Shaw and Tracy Murray. Madsen has limited skills but unlimited gumption. He’s a crowd favorite because he plays all-out every game. Walker went from starter to bit player in the course of last season. Shaw is 37 and Murray turns 32 on Friday so both will probably not be back next year.
The rookies are 6-10 Brian Cook and Bill Walton’s 6-8 son Luke. Also in the mix are holdovers 6-9 Robert Horry, 6-6 Kareem Rush, 34-year-old Rick Fox, Devean George, 6-1 Jenaro Pargo, Fisher and 6-10 Stanislav Medvedenko.
Horry is exploring options in Houston, where he once played and has a home. Laker fans still remember his missed triple in Game 5 of the San Antonio series last season. He’ll be 33 next month so Jackson may be inclined to let him go.
Jackson disciple Dennis Rodman, meanwhile, has declared his availability to play for the Lakers. Rodman, 42, has baggage that could fill a 40-foot container. He said he’s lost 18 pounds the last four months. Rodman obviously is running short of cash to finance his outlandish parties and extravagant lifestyle. A movie career didn’t work out despite his experience in theatrics in the NBA so Rodman is back to peddling himself as a rebounder, defensive specialist and Carmen Electra’s ex.
Malone said he took a pay cut for the opportunity to wear a title ring. He promised a championship because anything less would be "a disappointment." He’ll get the shock of his life when he realizes Payton is no John Stockton and whether the Mailman admits it or not, Stockton made him what he is. How Malone will fare without Stockton is a big question mark.
On paper, the Lakers look formidable. But how Jackson plans to motivate Payton, Malone, Shaq, and Kobe–the Fab Four–into sharing one basketball is a mystery that only the Zen Master can solve.
Still, if Jackson locates his geriatrics and their supporting cast on the same page, the Lakers could be unbeatable this coming season. Never mind the year after.