In online excerpts from an interview Phil Jackson did with HBO, Jackson is asked why Jim Buss has "chosen to almost disassemble so much of what you've built?"
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"Bring it on," says Buss, "where do you want to start?"
What are the chances of the Lakers starting the season with Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol all in Lakers uniforms?
"Very good," says Buss.
So you don't agree with those who say the Lakers must turn Gasol into two or three players via a trade?
"No," he says. "I think changes are going to be made moving Pau lower to the basket. We can improve that way with a change in coaching strategy rather than a change in personnel."
No moves?
"We will try to sign Sessions when the rules allow beginning in July," he says. "And improve the bench."
No major free-agent signings, no blockbuster trades?
"No," he says.
Smelling salts, please, for Magic.
Magic was looking right into the ESPN camera when he told a national audience: "Jim Buss, brother, you have a job to do. I'm telling you right now because if you don't do it, you're going to hear from me."
Buss laughs. "He's got my phone number."
To hear Magic talk, and this has to make Dodgers players nervous, he's ready to blow up the Lakers because they failed to advance.
"He sounds like a TV analyst to me," says Buss. "That's his job to give opinions. I don't have a problem with that, and like a good Lakers fan he just wants us to get better. So do I."
Magic remains listed as a Lakers vice president, but the team says he's not being paid for the honorary title. They therefore aren't fined when he suggests they trade for Josh Smith or Dwight Howard.
"I would think Magic knows better than anyone," says Buss, "when the Lakers lose the last game of the season, everyone here is going to do whatever they can to make improvements."