They reunited and celebrated as one on the grandest night. Their relationship never seemed repairable or harmonious until that historic and relivable moment that seemed surreal.
But after clinching Game Five to capture a title together, they shared admiration and memories, and removed dreadful memories of the ugly dispute of an immature superstar trying to find his way in the league.
The experienced coach tried to mentor the self-centered superstar that thought the team revolved around him. This prompted a dysfunctional feud, involving one of sports greatest coaches and one of sports greatest athletes.
Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant didn’t always thrive together. In 2004, Jackson published a book and said that Bryant was "uncoachable," amid feuding that lead Jackson to resign.
Kobe remained in a Lakers uniform, labeled as a villain for leading failures without Jackson and Shaquille O’Neal.
Suddenly, they put the feuding behind them Sunday, when the Lakers won their fourth title this decade and amassed title No. 15 in Orlando.
Considering that championships cure burdens, winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy rehabilitated Kobe’s and Phil’s relationship—meaning they were fortunate to rectify a shambled bond and accomplished a victory that inspired a lovable hug that seemed eternal.
Since parting ways, it was the first time we glanced at Kobe and Phil embracing a moment mutually on a national stage.
The Bryant family paid a visit onto the court once it came to a finish, rejoicing the moment with Kobe.
Making a national appearance was his wife, Vanessa, and two daughters, who gave him hugs, finally realizing that dad wasn’t “Grumpy” after all, but a jubilant champ with a glorious smile.
And trust me, no scowls were worn on his face that would have identified him as the grumpy individual his kids refer to.
At last, the criticism of Bryant, after winning a title without Shaq, will go away. Since O'Neal left, the world was convinced Kobe couldn’t win without a superstar.
Many despised him for the rape charges in Colorado that were dismissed. Many held grudges for his arrogant presence felt. Many disliked Kobe for being, well, Kobe, failing to realize that he has matured into a leader and superstar.
Many also don’t believe in the notion that he's transcending closer into Michael Jordan’s territory. That doesn’t mean he’s Jordan, but it does mean that Kobe is the greatest player in this era, whether he's the most captivating, most thrilling, most talented, dominant scorer, or even wearing the fiercest face of all-time.
Either way, Bryant is the best thing seen in the NBA, maybe not the greatest player ever advertised, but the greatest on the planet currently.
Meanwhile, Jackson celebrated as well, embracing his historic plateau of becoming the first head coach in NBA history to win a 10th title, surpassing the legendary coach Red Auerbach on the all-time list.
And to represent the historic accomplishment, Jackson might have ended his career in style, wearing a personalized yellow cap with a purple "X" logo.
Owning 10 titles as a coach might make Jackson feel as if he’s a powerful ruler of basketball.
But it clearly signified that he reached a crescendo, sitting on top of the world, accomplishing a milestone no other coach may ever attain.
The 10 rings were earned by Jackson’s brilliant coaching method, using a psychological approach and mentoring talented players throughout his coaching tenure.
First, it started in Chicago, where he had the privilege of guiding Jordan and the Bulls to six titles.
Blending talent with a stellar coach was fundamental for producing multiple titles, as seen when he traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles, and met Bryant and Shaq to start a dynasty before it disintegrated.
After leaving for a brief stint, Jackson returned, plotting the restart of a potential dynasty among the Lakers, overcoming a few seasons of mediocrity that forced Kobe to demand a trade publicly.
In a discouraging aspect, Bryant was bothered by the losing.
He ripped the organization and center Andrew Bynum of a lack of fortitude. He demanded to be traded if the Lakers refused to re-sign former general manger Jerry West to make personnel choices.
All this was enough to inspire the team to retool and surround Bryant with a sturdy supporting cast, acquiring vital pieces that contributed to his fourth title. They stunningly pulled off the Pau Gasol deal that sent Kwame Brown to Memphis.
Then, they reacquired Derek Fisher from Utah, who was anxious to return to L.A. to get better health care for his daughter, Tatum, who has a rare form of cancer in her left eye.
All of these additions were enough to purge the frowns and trade demands from Bryant.
Considering the revamping of a potential dynasty, nothing has being more impressive than Kobe and Phil. In these finals, it was noticeable their relationship has grown stronger.
Today, Kobe is an unselfish distributor and Phil is, well, the same brilliant-minded guru that has led two of the greatest tandems in sports, Jordan-Pippen and Kobe-Shaq.
Now, he is emerging with a new tandem: Kobe-Pau, Kobe-Ariza, or Kobe-Odom—whichever is more relevant, I assume.
Aside from picking a partner to go along with him, keep one thing in mind: They won as a team.
Finally, the chance of multiple championships has arrived for the Lakers with depth surrounding the league’s most talented star.
If Jackson does decide to return next season, he could extend his milestone to 11 championships and Kobe could enhance his superb legacy to greater heights.
As it seems, Kobe needs Phil, as opposites attract in a lovable reunion, and Phil needs Kobe. Just as it seemed this battered connection had faltered eternally, it’s intact.
Winning really does cure animosity. Indeed, it has for the Lakers. For the first time since breaking up, Kobe and Phil built a relationship that’s attached.
Phil and Kobe are compatible.
The Zen Master and the Black Mamba!
That’s what wins championships.
