Jackson is heard on new rules - Los Angeles Times
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Jackson is heard on new rules

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Times Staff Writers

“Big Brother†officially invaded the Lakers’ personal space, and Phil Jackson wasn’t enamored.

The Lakers coach had a microphone attached to him during Thursday’s game against San Antonio, part of the league’s attempt to bring fans closer to the game, a move Jackson said was “Big Brother-ish†when it was announced.

“It’s like going into surgery, almost,†Jackson said sardonically Thursday, before his first turn at being miked up.

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In another addition mandated by the league, Jackson gave a brief interview to TNT reporter Craig Sager between the third and fourth quarters. The Spurs played without Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, but Jackson focused on how Andrew Bynum was ejected in the third quarter after arguing a charging call.

“Well, they short-handed us when they threw out Andrew Bynum so we are even now, at least in that department,†he said before turning to Sager’s wardrobe. “But what is with this tie, by the way? What’s with this tie? Did this come from Costa Rica with you?â€

Before the game, Jackson was irritated the league let TNT put a camera in the locker room for footage of pregame, halftime and postgame activity. ESPN will have similar access when it televises games this season.

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“It’s pretty hard to accept someone inside that inner circle that’s not inside your group,†he said. “It just changes the dynamics of what you do because you’re not natural.â€

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The Lakers are worth $560 million and are the second-most valuable NBA franchise behind the New York Knicks, according to an annual report on all 30 teams by Forbes magazine.

The Lakers were slightly down from last year’s valuation of $568 million. They had an operating income of $31.8 million last season before taxes, according to Forbes.

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The Knicks are worth $608 million, and the Chicago Bulls ($500 million) are the third-most valuable NBA franchise.

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Kobe Bryant leads the Western Conference with 569,302 All-Star votes, the NBA announced Thursday. No other Laker is among the top 10 in votes among West centers, forwards or guards.

Bryant is fourth overall, trailing Boston forward Kevin Garnett (735,664 votes), Cleveland forward LeBron James (597,768) and Orlando center Dwight Howard (596,187).

The All-Star game is Feb. 17 in New Orleans.

TONIGHT

at Golden State, 7:30, Channel 9

Site -- Oracle Arena.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 13-8; Warriors 12-10.

Record vs. Warriors -- 1-0.

Update -- The Lakers had no problem beating the Warriors on Sunday, 123-113, thanks to a vibrant second half and the presence of Andrew Bynum, who tied a career-high with 20 points. The Lakers have won nine consecutive games against the Warriors and 14 of the last 15.

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