Book Review #42

The Last Season : A Team in Search of Its Soul by Phil Jackson

Even though it was a New York Times bestseller I think it's safe to guess that you have to be a Laker fan, or at least an NBA fan, to enjoy this read. Phil's writing style is a little dry.

PJ takes you through the 2003-2004 season--the season after the threepeat where newcomers Payton and Malone alongside Shaq and Kobe can't close the deal in the Finals against the Pistons and also the season of Kobe's rape trial.

I liked getting all the info from Phil's perspective. I especially enjoyed seeing him in "retirement." The guy can't retire. He is basketball. The glimpses into NBA life were interesting like, "Bags at nine. Bus at ten. Plane at eleven." I'm a detials person. But more than details it offered a study of the NBA psychology. The narcissism that these men exhibit deserves a book of its own. And PJ didn't hold back when he discussed Kobe's.

I do not feel whole after this read. Something is missing. Or something was lacking. There was no victory. There was no clear end. Phil came back after a season sabbatical. Kobe calmed down. And I guess it's because we're still smack in the middle of the saga. Just today Kobe asked to be traded! I'll stay tuned for volume 2.

General consensus: Worthwhile for Laker fans.