Health problems force Tomjanovich to resign as Lakers coach
"Apparently, Mitch said it could be a day, a month, a year," Hamblen said. "There's nothing like the security of the NBA.
"Phil has his lot in life, I have mine. Sure, you'd always like to be an NBA head coach. If I owned a team or was in charge, I'd want Phil Jackson also. He's got nine rings. My ego's not that big. If it ended tomorrow, I'd say these 36 years have been a great ride. It really hasn't sunk in yet about me being the coach of the Lakers."
His first game in that capacity comes Thursday night, when the Lakers try to extend their winning streak to a season-high three games against the San Antonio Spurs, whose 37-10 record is the best in the NBA.
The Lakers then begin a five-game road trip Sunday at Houston. Bryant said he hopes to play sometime during the trip.
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