Phil Jackson Got Shaquille O’Neal “High” Along with Kobe Bryant And Lakers Teammates But without Using Any Intoxications

Phil Jackson was one of the most special coaches in the NBA. He had a different coaching style than most coaches in the league and was often questioned for it. However, Phil’s success in bringing the championship back to the Lakers since the Showtime proves his effectiveness. Shaquille O’Neal recently provided insight on one of Phil’s coaching tricks. Jackson’s technique got the whole Lakers team ‘high’ without the use of any drugs.

Jackson took up the reigns as the head coach during a time when the Lakers were at their worst under Jerry Buss’ leadership. The 77-year-old remained in LA from 1999-2004, helping the Lakers win three back-to-back championships between 2000-2002. Jackson coached the young Lakers team in a way that helped the Lakers calm their heads and perform in critical situations.

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Phil’s idea was the prepare Shaq, Kobe, and other Lakers players’ minds as much as their bodies. Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were LA’s best hopes of winning a championship. However, the duo lost the shot at the championship for the first four years before Jackson’s arrival. After Phil joined the Lakers, Shaq & Bryant finally achieved what they had always dreamed of by winning the NBA championship in 2000.

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In a recent interview at the Be Better Off show, Shaquille O’Neal was asked if he had learned something from Phil Jackson which could be applied in business. The four-time NBA champ responded, “Yeah, I learned that sage is the cousin of weed. Like he would come in every day, and we’d do these chants, and the room would get you high.”

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Shaq shared that Phil taught him, Kobe, and their Lakers teammates about muscle and mental memory. Jackson’s vigorous training process involved an hour of meditation, followed by walking exercises and hard practice.

Phil taught the Lakers team the ability to stay calm and avoid panicking in tough situations. O’Neal suggested that Jackson’s mantra helped the Lakers to stay away from panicking when the moment of truth arrived.

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Unfortunately, Phil Jackson could not stay with the Lakers for too long. Despite winning three championships, Shaquille O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004. The same year Phil Jackson also left the Lakers after reports of disagreement with Kobe Bryant. However, it is undoubtedly true that the Kobe-Shaq & Phil Jackson partnership was one of the best ones in the Los Angeles Lakers’ history.