Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson doesn't think a basketball game is the best expression of the Christmas spirit.
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson doesn't think a basketball game is the best expression of the Christmas spirit.
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Jackson, who has guided teams to 11 NBA titles, reiterated his opposition to Christmas games on Tuesday as the Lakers prepared to take on Milwaukee - the defending NBA champions' last tune-up before a Christmas clash with Miami.
"It's like Christian holidays don't mean, to them, anything any more," said Jackson, the son of two Christian ministers. "Just go out and play and entertain the TV.
"It's really weird, but it is what it is. We have to go to work and make the best of it."
The Lakers have played on every Christmas since 1999. They played three straight against Miami when Shaquille O'Neal played for the Heat after being traded from Los Angeles.
Kobe Bryant has played on Christmas in 13 of his 15 NBA seasons. That doesn't include the 1998-99 season, which started in January after a labor battle resulted in a player lockout.
"I don't think anybody should play on Christmas Day," Jackson said. "I don't understand it."
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