Rudy T steps down Story Tools: Print Email FOXSports.com http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3371454 Saying the pressures of coaching again were beginning to affect him "physically and mentally," Rudy Tomjanovich stepped down Wednesday as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Tomjanovich, 56, signed a five-year, $30 million contract during the off-season, returning the sport he left in 2003 after being diagnosed with bladder cancer. But his return to the bench lasted just 43 games. "There are no outside influences, be it pressure from above, anything to do with my players, or being here in Los Angeles," Tomjanovich said. "This is all about me and how I'm wired." "It became clear that coaching was probably not the best thing for Rudy and his health," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. Tomjanovich did not offer specifics about his health. He had missed the last two games with what were described as flu-like symptoms. Reports Tuesday said the current concerns were not related to the bladder cancer. "It got to where it was killing me so much that I did call a doctor," Tomjanovich said. "I didn't have the energy and I was sick all the time." Tomjanovich was hired to help put together the pieces after the Lakers dynasty imploded following the 2003-04 season, but had mixed results. As Tomjanovich steps down, the Lakers are just 24-19 and hold down the seventh spot in the Western Conference.
So this time it was not Kobe that Drove out Rudy ... Come on, Kobe .... why the hell did not you do your stuff?
so - a lifetime Rockets - steps away from "consulting" for the Rockets to coach - now, 4 months later - he is a "consultant" for the Lakers Rudy - why didn't you just keep your old job
Because he wouldn't have been paid by 2 teams for doing nothing. Essentially he's the Alonzo Morning or Deke of coaching.
Forced out ! All of this looks like a charade. If he resigned there is no way they would pay him for 2 more years. It is a buyout, and a cover up..same as in Houston. DD
This is a really strange situation all around. There's no reason for them to force Rudy out, people were saying the Lakers wouldn't even be in the playoffs hunt before the season started. I can't imagine any player pissing Rudy off so much he'd quit, either. But if it was really illness that forced this decision, why haven't they given any specifics? I was sick all the time... what the hell does that mean?
Forced out? Conceivable. But why? Half way through the season and hanging tough to a playoffs spot without your best player? I do not buy that.
I know the truth will arise sooner or later. Rudy sounded very sincere in the press conference, but he didnt spend that much time there so I doubt he was that emotionally tied to that team in 5 months. Maybe Rudy does like California though, after all thats where he started with the San Diego Rockets. I know many of the Lakers fans did not support Rudy. They will continue to blame anyone but Kobe. best thing for them to do is get Phil back, but time will tell, Rudy was not to blame.
this is purely speculation but what if the stress of coaching the lakers has led him to start drinking again...its very possible and maybee it scared him into resigning.
I think people forget how hard it is to coach. All you have to do is look at JVG's eyes and you get it. Sometimes you just run out of gas.
That crossed my mind. Maybe he thought "deja vu all over again" [sic]. Note that in the press conference he sighted a scenario where he went to a Doc for medication and during that visit the doctor ask him "is it worth it"? He said he did not answer that question but he kept it in his heart/mind.
