By Mike Bresnahan
Los Angeles Times
January 4, 2011
Just another day for the Lakers, who bobbed, weaved and eventually beat the Detroit Pistons in a season just ripe for another Phil Jackson book.
Not long after a confrontation at practice between Ron Artest and Jackson was brought to light, the Lakers shook off a lousy first half and beat the hapless Pistons, 108-83, Tuesday at Staples Center.
Kobe Bryant had a dreadful shooting night, but Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol were sharp down low, combining for 34 points on 13-for-17 shooting.
The Artest-Jackson conflict was first reported by Yahoo Sports, with other details and versions of the confrontation emerging later.
Based on conversations Tuesday night, the quarrel happened about a week and-a half ago, when Artest asked Jackson during practice to stop criticizing him around teammates. Artest also didn't like Jackson castigating him around reporters.
Jackson and Artest spoke for a handful of seconds before the scrimmage continued, but Artest brought it back up with Jackson after a few trips up and down the court, emphasizing he would rather be called into Jackson's office and privately critiqued instead of publicly rebuked or teased.
Jackson disagreed with part of the Yahoo report, which said the coach was "loudly confronted" by Artest. Jackson characterized it as "nothing more than what can normally happen in a practice."
Artest later apologized to Jackson and to teammates, Jackson said. Artest did not deny a disagreement took place but declined to provide details.
"I've worked so hard to keep everything positive.
