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.’

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.

I always tell the players, "We are in the business that's very much like a marathon race only we're gonna be doing it for 260-something days or so." And the race is something you get ready to do. There's gonna be some trial inside of there, but you put yourself through it because ultimately it brings a lot of meaning to your life, it gives a lot of energy to what you're doing.

I will have Derek Fisher wear all 5 of his rings the first time he comes in to talk to Carmelo.

Coaching is about, "How do I get people to play at their peak level?" It is a spiritual quest. And if it's not that, you don't have a challenge, you don't have a mission. Forming a brotherhood and trying to move it forward - that's what coaching is.

I'm a sports-watcher. I played football and baseball, coached baseball. So I watch those things.

I'm not railing, 'This is inadequate' or 'This isn't right.' Just show me what will work.