The most we can hope for is to create the best possible conditions for success, then let go of the outcome. The ride is a lot more fun that way.

Basketball is sharing.

The best thing that I think happened to me was I got the opportunity to have really good players and we were able to meet the demand of the competition. And I think that's what I value most.

My philosophy is that you can't motivate players with speeches, you have motivated players that you draft. That's where they come in and those are the guys that are competitive. You cannot teach competitiveness.

Kobe was hell-bent on surpassing Jordan as the greatest player in the game. His obsession with Michael was striking. When we played in Chicago that season, I orchestrated a meeting between the two of them, thinking that Michael might help shift Kobe’s attitude toward selfless teamwork. After they shook hands, the first words out of Kobe’s mouth were, ‘You know I can kick your ass one on one.’

I expect a cigar.....not lit, hopefully

Winning is important to me, but what brings me real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever I'm doing.