Phil Jackson, who spent a combined 20 years leading the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, is renowned for his impressive trophy haul and his unique and innovative approach to coaching.
In 2012, the Hall of Famer spoke about an important part of his methods — teaching mindfulness through meditation — when he appeared on Season 4 of Oprah Winfrey’s “Super Soul Sunday.”
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During the interview, Jackson shared a special memory: the moment he realized his players weren’t just following his lead — they were genuinely excited and willing to practice mindfulness. This realization touched him deeply, the now 79-year-old said.
How mindfulness set the tone
Jackson’s story took viewers back to the gripping 2002 Eastern Conference Finals, where his Lakers faced off against the Sacramento Kings — a “great opponent,” as the former power forward recalled.
With the series deadlocked at 3-3, the decisive Game 7 was set to be played on the road, intensifying what Phil described as the “duress” surrounding an already pressure-filled moment.
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As the “Zen Master” recalled, the day in question — June 2, 2002 — began as usual. The team had breakfast to fuel up before tackling this huge task, followed by a thorough morning video session to prepare for every detail. But what stood out to Jackson was the meditation scheduled for 10 a.m.
When the Lakers’ head coach entered the room, his players were already there — more than that, they looked genuinely eager to start the experience.
“They’re all there, they’re all sitting, they’re all ready to be practicing this mindfulness. I couldn’t believe their attitude,” remembered the Montana native.
From meditation to domination
Seeing the team’s genuine commitment to something most NBA athletes would have laughed at only strengthened Jackson’s belief in bringing mindfulness into their routine. However, the real proof came later that day.
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In a closely contested game, the “Purple and Gold” edged out their opponents 112-106 — a win that the “Zen Master” credited mainly to their mental focus.
“They were able to be the steady hand at a time when you needed, and that ultimately turned out to be able to simply make free throws, simply be steady enough in this pressure situation,” he pointed out.
The numbers prove his point. The Lakers made an impressive 27 out of 33 free throws, showing just how focused they were, with their two stars leading the way.
The late Kobe Bryant, who efficiently hit 83.7% of his free throws over his storied career, was as steady as ever, making 8 of 10 shots.
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But the real surprise was Shaquille O’Neal. Known for struggling at the charity stripe, the iconic big man went beyond expectations, sinking 11 of 15 free throws and finishing with a game-high 35 points.
Without the mental preparation Jackson brought to the team — and the way the players fully embraced it — it’s clear that Los Angeles wouldn’t have had the “steady hand” they needed to win against the Kings. Mentally sharp as ever, they went on to win the next series, too, becoming back-to-back NBA champions.
This shows just how effective the 1996 Coach of the Year was with his innovative approach. Even without counting Phil’s 11 championship titles — six while leading the Bulls and five with the Lakers, the most in NBA history — that alone is enough reason to call him a true legend among basketball coaches.