The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul

by Phil Jackson Narrated by Stephen Hoye

Overview

For the countless basketball fans who were spellbound by the Los Angeles Lakers' 2003-2004 high-wire act, this book is a rare and phenomenal treat. In The Last Season, Lakers coach Phil Jackson draws on his trademark honesty and insight to tell the whole story of the season that proved to be the final ride of a truly great dynasty. From the signing of future Hall-of-Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton to the Kobe Bryant rape case/media circus, this is a riveting tale of clashing egos, public feuds, contract disputes, and team meltdowns that only a coach, and a writer, of Jackson's candor, experience, and ability could tell. Full of tremendous human drama and offering lessons on coaching and on life, this is a book that no sports fan can possibly pass up.

Editorial Reviews

On paper, the 2003-4 Los Angeles Lakers were a coach's dream. Coach Phil Jackson's Lakers owned towering center Shaquille O'Neal and power guard Kobe Bryant, the most dynamic duo in the game and the core of the team that had snatched three of the previous four NBA championships. To strengthen their ranks, L.A. had added future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton to the already star-studded roster. But all was not well in La-La Land. Before the season was over, "team leaders" Shaq and Kobe had exchanged insults and disparaging second-guesses in the press; Bryant was arrested on felony sex charges; and Jackson's well-laid game plans had disintegrated in the midst of media frenzy, salary disputes, and a general team meltdown. As one fan put it, "The team doesn't need a coach; it needs a psychiatrist." In The Last Season, the ever-reflective nine-time NBA championship coach offers an insider's view of a dream team's nightmare.

APR/MAY 05 - AudioFile

Basketball fans, especially those with a predilection for Zen Buddhism, will find this account of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2003-04 season, the author’s last as head coach, fascinating reading. Here all is laid bare: the egos, tirades, childish behavior, and sacrifice characteristic of play at the highest professional level. Narrator Stephen Hoye is an inspired, and inspiring, choice for this book. At his best, it’s difficult to separate his voice from Jackson’s, so completely does he reflect the author’s persona and inflections. At his worst, he magnifies Jackson’s condescension and dogmatic nature, which pervades the book. Overall, though, Hoye is interesting, appropriately dramatic, and easy on the ears. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171813994
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	10/21/2004
Edition description:	Unabridged

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