In this episode, Dr. Pete Olusoga, host of the podcast "Eighty Percent Mental" joins host Davd Smith to discuss the book, "The Last Season: A Team in Search for its Soul" by Phil Jackson. Here's our top three takeaways...

🏀 Emotional Intelligence in Coaching: Phil Jackson demonstrated exceptional emotional intelligence by understanding and managing the complex personalities of star players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, adapting his approach throughout the season and treating players as human beings with individual needs.

🏀 Team Dynamics and Ego Management: The book reveals the challenges of managing high-profile athletes with strong egos, showing how Jackson had to use various strategies (including mind games and involving veteran players) to motivate and align Kobe and Shaq towards team goals.

🏀 Talent vs. Team Unity: Despite winning three previous championships, the Lakers' success was more about individual talent than true team cohesion. The ongoing personal conflicts between Shaq and Kobe ultimately contributed to the breakdown of the team's performance and the end of their championship dynasty.

Get in touch with Dr. Pete Olusoga

Twitter: @Pete_Olusoga / @EPMPodcast

TikTok: @dr_pete_olusoga

Instagram: @dr_pete_oluosga / @eightypercentmental

Get in touch with David Smith

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.stonewallperformance.com ⁠⁠

LinkedIn: @bttrflyr ⁠⁠

Instagram: @stonewallperformance⁠ / @FitwithPRIDE

YouTube: @stonewallperformance