The Flaccid, Despondent Smush Parker

We all know that Phil Jackson is a supremely smart dude who likes to play mind games through the media. He also has a way with words that makes said mind games particularly entertaining for the public. Larry Brown makes you squirm, P-Jax brings on the chuckles.

Already this season, he's lit into Vlad Rad, who responded by injuring himself on a snowboard and then lying about it. He even made a point of taking down Shaq for the holidays. Lord knows what's next for Smush Parker, the NBA's least qualified starter. From the O.C. Register:

Jackson called Parker "flaccid" on offense, but also called Parker "despondent" during the third quarter when Nash got revved up. Jackson wanted to see if Williams could guard Nash, too, saying afterward that Williams "did OK." Parker could be seen working on his hair extensively before the nationally televised game.

Granted, this was after Smush demanded an explanation for being benched in the fourth. Now, I think Smush Parker is a great story, a tremendous in-game dunker, and all-in-all an okay player. But he's SMUSH PARKER. That he's even found a steady place in the league is remarkable; if Jackson wants to sit him, he shouldn't need to justify it. Parker is only the starter by default.

Or maybe Smush is a lot smarter than we think and realizes that if he doesn't start, he's totally disposable. The Lakers need to start a point guard, and apparently Farmar's not ready. If Parker's grip on that role loosens, it's a slippery slide right back into the CBA.