Phil Jackson had prostate cancer in 2011

[kblo247]

It was during that 2011 postseason that Jackson tried something different than he ever had, which he reveals in his new book "Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success," to be released to the public May 21. It's no small thing, and it might explain a little what happened to Jackson and that Lakers team that failed to win a third consecutive championship.

Jackson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2011. After doctors assured him the cancer could be controlled by drugs temporarily, Jackson waited until after the season to undergo surgery.

Jackson decided to divulge his situation to his players when he sensed the team was lacking something in the playoffs.

"Shocking," Pau Gasol said Saturday, remembering Jackson's disclosure to the team. "But then you also could understand certain moments of his demeanor, energy and involvement because of what he was going through health-wise. It explained certain things. It was a shock. A difficult moment for the team."

Gasol said Jackson talked with team captains Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher privately before telling the whole team in a video session – but Jackson was left second-guessing the revelation in which he became teary-eyed as he spoke … the Lakers strangely fading in that series vs. Dallas.

Gasol allowed that it was different for the team to see Jackson – "such a big figure, the physical and spiritual leader of the team" – as vulnerable.

"As much as I love Phil and I appreciate everything about him," Gasol said, "it was difficult to know."

Was kinda shocked to read this. Thought I should pass it along as he seems in good health now, but it explains why he looked so drained at times that last run

[DEEP3CL]

It also explains why the team was lacking energy so much in that series.

[Dr Aki]

prostate cancer is one of the most easily treatable cancers.
1. because the chemo drugs are highly effective with relatively low side-effect profile vs other chemo drugs
2. you can live without your prostate, so if chemo doesnt work, just take it out

pau with his interest in medicine would've known that

[kblo247]

It also explains why the team was lacking energy so much in that series.

Yep, Phil wasnt Phil at the time so he couldn't demand it out of them. And Kobe wasnt Kobe physically either which is probably why he said he feels like he owes Phil one more season better than that. His book should be a good read.

[kblo247]

prostate cancer is one of the most easily treatable cancers.
1. because the chemo drugs are highly effective with relatively low side-effect profile vs other chemo drugs
2. you can live without your prostate, so if chemo doesnt work, just take it out

pau with his interest in medicine would've known that

Knowing that is true, but at certain times some dont think with their brain when someone is sick or there's an emergency when its about someone they are attached to. We've all been there at times

[AcecardZ]

Thankfully Phil seems to be doing well now!

Continued good health to you Phil!! Oh and please come back to the Lakers!!!!!

[MAMBAEMD]

prostate cancer is one of the most easily treatable cancers.
1. because the chemo drugs are highly effective with relatively low side-effect profile vs other chemo drugs
2. you can live without your prostate, so if chemo doesnt work, just take it out

pau with his interest in medicine would've known that

Actually, prostate cancer is not that easy to treat.
The "chemo drugs" that you are referring to are hormonal drugs, and they do have an effect on your energy level and can have very significant side effects, although less so than conventional chemo drugs.
If PJ was on hormonal drugs, without question, his energy level would have been lower. These medicines lower the testosterone levels and can have significant side effects.
It is true that later in life, you can live without your prostate. But removing it is a huge operation. Believe me. I do the operation. The side effects of the surgery are very significant to a man.
Another treatment option is radiation therapy which also has very significant side effects.
Overall, it is inaccurate to say that treatment for prostate cancer is easy or without side effects.

[Slava]

Yeah the survival rate is very high but being functional while taking the medication is hard, especially with Phil's age. I assume he's undergone surgery since then, it does not appear like he has taken chemo.

[Run-MKE 311]

I really believe this is significant as a reason for why the Lakers & Phil looked so off in the last two seasons. Now back to full health, I sure would like to see Phil go for it one last time with D12.

A major health issue is a huge energy suck, both physically and mentally. Makes me wonder what might have been possible those two years had Phil been healthy.

[Dr Aki]

yeah, i wasnt saying chemo drugs are a hoot to be on. but given a choice of cancers, prostate cancer would be top of my list to have instead of other cancers

[TARIQ]

prostate cancer is one of the most easily treatable cancers.
1. because the chemo drugs are highly effective with relatively low side-effect profile vs other chemo drugs
2. you can live without your prostate, so if chemo doesnt work, just take it out

pau with his interest in medicine would've known that

Please, don't u dare say its easily treatable. Any form of Cancer Is not easy to deal with.

[Kilroy]

Treat-ability seems to be greatly dependent on timing and the patient... If you catch any cancer too late, it's tough to treat...
If you catch it early enough, and the patient is in excellent physical and metal shape, it seems like treatment odds increase.

I've lost lots of extended family members to the disease. Liver, Pancreas, Skin, Breast... It's all just very tough news. You don't get to choose which one you're faced with.
But they all seem to be beatable in the right conditions.

Long story short, let's not turn this into a pissing match about something as negative as getting cancer.

Let's just be thankful Phil seems to be doing better and wish him well.

[kblo247]

I agree with you there, cancer is a bitch that can hurt a sole family, so just be glad Phil win the battle

[KobeDwightPau]

you guys are gonna blame our woes on phils prostate?

[kblo247]

Did you actually read the article?

[Dr Aki]

lol at whoever calling me insensitive over my cancer remarks. i recently lost my grandmother to gall bladder cancer that metastasised into her liver. she died of liver complications and anaemia before the doctors knew what was wrong. she was quite active and had yearly checkups as well, so it came very quickly

phil's cancer was caught early, was one of the more easily treatable ones. and the team let it affect them in 2011. life and debate doesnt stop because cancer has this emotional stigma attached to it

[KobeDwightPau]

Did you actually read the article?

Yes I did read the article, he shouldn't have been coaching than. But you really think the lakers just couldn't cope at all so they got swept?

[AI]

lol at whoever calling me insensitive over my cancer remarks. i recently lost my grandmother to gall bladder cancer that metastasised into her liver. she died of liver complications and anaemia before the doctors knew what was wrong. she was quite active and had yearly checkups as well, so it came very quickly

phil's cancer was caught early, was one of the more easily treatable ones. and the team let it affect them in 2011. life and debate doesnt stop because cancer has this emotional stigma attached to it

I don't think you were insensitive to the issue, but you definitely made an ignorant remark about the whole cancer thing. Assuming little of Phil's prostate cancer is close-minded to begin with. I'm pretty sure none of us here know him personally, so we shouldn't act like we do and shrug his cancer (and other types) off. For all we know, Phil could have some abnormality in which the prostate cancer affected him a lot worse, you never know.