Kobe Bryant's actions in the locker room caught Phil Jackson off guard.
Kobe has changed, matured.
But some essential things about him have never changed.
He cannot tolerate anyone disrespecting victory.
This is also the true root of his conflict with Shaquille O'Neal.
To someone like Kobe, Dwight Howard's behavior and LeBron James's remarks after losing the opening game were as offensive as putting pineapple on Italian pizza or fish cilantro on an egg tart.
This completely ignited him.
Howard, James, and Kobe—Phil Jackson thinks these three are hard to coexist over the long term.
But Phil Jackson doesn't care about the Lakers' long-term plans; he only needs to ensure that the team stays normal and competitive this season.
If this season really is Roger's last dance, the team that defeats Roger will be remembered forever, as will its head coach.
