Here is the news piece from KCAL-9.
Meeting Phil Jackson
Honoring greatness... (before his return to the Lakers)
October 22, 2004, current Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson appeared at the Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena to promote his new book at the time, The Last Season. Once I heard about this signing from a friend who worked at the store, I knew I had to be there. Assuming there would be a long line, I figured going early after my college class early that morning would be the smart decision to make.
I arrived at Vroman’s Bookstore at 10:45 a.m. and asked where the line starts at. I had bought a copy of the book the night before from the bookstore so when the worker showed me where to sit. I planted myself there and began reading it.
For about three hours I read nearly the entire book. For every Lakers fan and any NBA fan, I highly recommend this book to you. The philosophy, perspective, and behind-the-scenes secrets or “dirt” is more than enough justification to purchase this book. It truly does give you a good idea of what really went on last year.
Sitting out there as the line was forming, more and more people came from all around California to line up early. With about four hours to go, the friendly Laker fans and I had great discussions. After an introduction and much Lakers talk, I pulled out my laptop to showcase some of my Laker videos for the die-hards who showed up early.
It was a very cool scene as the time ticked down. Grego – some of you may recognize him from SpursReport.com – eventually showed up as well. For those who don’t know who he is, he does photography and his work is absolutely fantastic. I recommend you to look into him if you ever need any photography done.
With about an hour left, all the news reporters began showing up. ESPN, ABC, K-CAL 9, and Fox Sports were just some of the stations reporting on the event. I was interviewed by ABC 7 and then K-CAL 9. It was a very honorable feeling because I was able to comment on something so big in terms of the sports world and something that meant a lot to me; the Lakers! When it was time for the signing, things progressed very quickly, but I was able to get a DVD of my “best-of” Lakers videos into his hands. He signed my books and I mentioned how much the entire city of Los Angeles appreciated what he had accomplished for us, and I simply thanked him for all the memories. On my way out, K-CAL 9 grabbed me for another interview. They asked me how I felt about the experience and what I said to Phil.
Overall, the experience was one memorable one. Grego got some awesome pictures of Phil Jackson for all of you. He even got one of Phil talking to me, smiling as I told him about the DVD. Meeting Phil Jackson was definitely one of the most exciting memories of my life. To be able to just tell one of the greatest coaches to ever coach basketball that you appreciate him speaks volumes in itself.
The day ended with me driving home and flipping on K-CAL 9 to watch the report on the event. To my surprise, they used a shot of me standing next to Phil as the teaser clip to the news segment. Then when the story was aired, they began it with me and how I was out there eight hours prior to the signing time and they aired a piece of my interview! (The news clip from K-CAL 9 can be downloaded to the left).
This day was definitely full of surprises, fulfillment, and satisfaction. It was pretty cool knowing that I was on the news report at the end of the day just because I’m all about the Laker fans. As you all know, I do this stuff for fun – zero profit and none intended. I do what I do through the love of the game. I love basketball and being able to hand Phil Jackson some of my work to him personally is quite an honor.
Thank you Phil Jackson for all the memories, and thank you for the three championships in the city of Los Angeles. Your illustrious career will never be forgotten, but only remembered as one of the great legacies in Los Angeles Lakers’ history. And now with your return for the next three years, we - the Laker nation - look forward to your latest journey in life.