Before the game, Phil Jackson repeatedly reminded O'Neal, hoping to relax his mindset.
In the summer, after O'Neal learned that Jackson would be the Lakers head coach, he made a special visit to Jackson's home.
Then he started having a great time playing on the trampoline in Jackson's yard.
A three-hundred-pound guy on a trampoline was felt miles away.
Neighbors came over to watch, O'Neal had dinner at Jackson's house, and the two talked at length.
As they envisioned the next season, O'Neal kept saying, "Next season will definitely be full of fun."
From then on, Jackson understood O'Neal's mental core: he needs fun, needs entertainment, needs someone to play with him.
A star like him must be cajoled and praised, never thought of suppressing him; the right amount of encouragement is enough.
