Phil Jackson speaks out, on the Los Angeles Lakers behalf, on NBA players participating in international competition:

“We have always been reluctant about our players playing internationally,” he said.

“We know that it’s a necessary part of the game. Some of these players are $100-million properties and they are going into a situation that only has diminishing returns.”

(Phil Jackson tolerates international play)

“I think there is a lot of feelings among the coaches in the league that as much as players may improve their game, some of our players that are older and experienced, like Pau and Kobe . . . there’s nothing to be gained from it except fame and the shoe contracts that go along with that type of stuff.”

Or you know, gold medals, pride, rivalry, history…

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