In a tweet that quickly went viral, former NBA coach George Karl, known for his stints with various teams including the Denver Nuggets and the Sacramento Kings, ignited a storm of controversy with his comments directed towards the Los Angeles Lakers.
Karl suggested that the Lakers’ only championship victory since the departure of legendary coach Phil Jackson should be discounted, and further criticized the franchise’s stability over the past decade and a half.
He tweeted, “The Lakers will be more successful going fwd when they acknowledge the only championship they won since Phil left doesn’t count and they’ve been unstable for 15 years.”
Karl’s assertion that the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship, secured in the NBA bubble amid unprecedented circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “doesn’t count” is likely to rile up fans and pundits alike.
While the circumstances surrounding the 2020 season were indeed unique, many in the basketball world still regard the Lakers’ triumph as a legitimate championship win.
Furthermore, Karl’s critique of the Lakers’ stability over the past 15 years is not without merit. Since Phil Jackson departed from the franchise in 2011, the Lakers have struggled to maintain a consistent level of success.
Coaching changes, front office upheavals, and roster fluctuations have characterized the team’s journey, leading to mixed results on the court.
The Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, have always been subject to intense scrutiny and debate. Karl’s comments add fuel to the ongoing discourse surrounding the team’s legacy and future prospects. While some may dismiss his remarks as mere provocation, others may find merit in his critique of the Lakers’ recent history.
There has been no official response from the Los Angeles Lakers organization regarding George Karl’s comments yet.
