Like many young players, Javaris Crittenton had the dream of getting drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. It came true in the 2007 NBA Draft, and, on paper, it looked like an incredible opportunity, the chance to play under Phil Jackson, alongside Kobe Bryant. But, according to the former guard, the reality didn’t match the dream.
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The Lakers drafted him as their 19th pick when he was not even expecting to be picked by them. Crittenton, while reflecting on his time with the Lakers, admitted he was grateful to land with such a storied franchise.
However, he quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. And, speaking about his experience with Phil Jackson on Above The Rim with DH 12, he didn’t hold back.
“They say he used to look at rookies as dogsh*t at the bottom of your shoes,” said Crittenton, while maintaining that he wasn’t trying to tarnish Jackson’s image. However, his experience in LA wasn’t one to be remembered fondly.
Crittenton feels Jackson never gave him a real chance. He believes that the moment he was labeled a rookie, Jackson made up his mind about him. That label came with a lack of trust, limited opportunities, and almost no space to grow.
“Young player, being under a coach that don’t like rookies, not really talking to you,” he said.
Crittenton was even willing to bide his time to leave behind the problems that came with the rookie label. So, all he hoped for was a second season in LA so that he could get better opportunities. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to experience that as he was traded to Memphis the following year.
Instead of guidance and support, Crittenton said he got indifference and dismissal. His confidence took a hit, and his development stalled.
One detail that stuck with him was how Jackson made the rookies sit in a completely separate locker room, something he said no other team did. “He really crushed my confidence,” Crittenton added.
The former point guard, who was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008, recognizes Jackson’s impact on the game. But for him, the experience was a tough one, marked more by frustration than growth.
The years following his trade to Memphis were even harder. The same year, he was traded to Washington, and 2009 was the last time he played in the NBA.
