Phil who?

The timing could not have been better for the Knicks to kick off a five game west coach trip in Los Angeles.  Anyone alive and breathing in New York or Los Angeles should be well aware the Knicks (29-42) recently hired Phil Jackson to a high ranking position in their front office. 

Laker nation is not too excited about their franchise letting Phil walk away.  The former coaches ties to Lakers (24-46) ownership is well publicized.  Jim Buss could have re-hired Phil after letting go of Mike Brown early last season.  He opted instead to hire former Knick coach Mike D'Antoni, as puzzling a decision the Lakers have ever made.

A strained relationship with Jim Buss may be the sole reason the Zen Master isn't working at some level of the Lakers organization.  Magic Johnson amongst others has rallied for the Lakers to re-hire Phil.  What seemed like a perfect relationship stalled and the Knicks got their man.

The Lakers took out the frustration of their fan base on the Knicks, pummeling them into submission 127-96 at Staples.  Los Angeles scored 51 points in the third quarter. 

The manner in which the Knicks lost this game suggests major changes are to come in the near future.