Jackson Receives Praise

The national media throng was significantly smaller a year later, but one question kept making the rounds Saturday: If this keeps up, is it one of Phil Jackson’s best coaching jobs?

After a disastrous 34-48 season, the Lakers are 15-11 and sixth in the Western Conference in Jackson’s first season back from a one-year sabbatical.

“A lot of the experts say we have no talent and that sort of thing, which I don’t necessarily agree with, but Phil has done an incredible job of giving us a sense of identity, a sense of purpose,” Kobe Bryant said. “If you see us play, we’re not out there just throwing the ball around, we know what we’re doing and that comes directly from him and the staff.”

Miami Heat Coach Pat Riley, a former foil of Jackson’s, also commended Jackson’s work.

“The last couple of weeks, it looks as though the team is really finding a real identity as to how they’re playing and understanding what he wants,” Riley said.

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As had been expected, Bryant formally agreed to be part of Team USA in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a commitment that could keep him busy each of the next three summers.

Bryant, who had publicly stated his commitment to the cause, made it official after a 10-minute conversation with Jerry Colangelo, Team USA managing director.

“I told him I’m down with it,” Bryant said. “This is our sport, this is basketball.”

TODAY

at Miami, noon PST, Channel 7

Site -- American Airlines Arena.

Radio -- 570, 1330.

Records -- Lakers 15-11, Heat 15-12.

Record vs. Heat (2004-05) -- 0-2.

Update -- The Heat struggled without Shaquille O’Neal, going 9-9 while he sat out because of a sprained ankle. Dwyane Wade leads the Heat with 26.3 points and 6.6 assists a game.