Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson Takes Departing Shots at Dwight Howard

Feb 21, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Dwight Howard (left) and former head coach Phil Jackson arrive at the memorial service for Dr. Jerry Buss held at the Nokia Theater. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Now an ’employee’ of the Los Angeles Lakers, for a lack of better terms as he was recently hired as a ‘consultant’, Phil Jackson had a vested interest in Dwight Howard returning to the storied franchise.

Howard and Jackson had become somewhat close during his short stay with the Lakers with Howard even requesting the Lakers hire Jackson last season during their coaching change.

Jackson made no qualms about his desire to have Howard return to Los Angeles and admitted he had been texting Howard, hoping to influence his decision. Apparently his texts weren’t enough as Howard, as we all know, opted to sign with the Houston Rockets.

Clearly irritated, Jackson vented on Twitter in the most smooth way Jackson can:

"Reflection on DHoward’s exodus. He left a distaste in Lakerland The Lakers will be fine. Pau fits MDA’s style of Off-it was about the futureWhat DH brings to the game is power and D. This past year didn’t show due it to rehab and confusion. If he is better of an Astro, so be it."

I’m assuming Jackson meant “better AS an Astro”. Either way, Jackson’s a calculated individual and clearly, despite not going overboard, he meant to take a few digs at the former Lakers center.

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