President

  

AP

 - June 19, 2009

Obama Congratulates Winning NBA, NHL Coaches

President Obama congratulated title-winning coaches Phil Jackson of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Dan Bylsma (BIHLZ'-muh) of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins.

President Obama took time out to chat with title-winning coaches Phil Jackson of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Dan Bylsma (BIHLZ'-muh) of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins.

Obama -- a huge basketball fan who actually gives game on occasion -- picked the Lakers to win in six games over the Orlando Magic. The Lakers needed five to give Jackson a record 10th championship as a head coach.

The White House says Obama discussed the Lakers' triangle offense -- maybe getting some pointers for his own pickup games. Obama has been a Jackson fan since Jackson coached the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.

Obama on Thursday also congratulated the Penguins for winning hockey's Stanley Cup in seven games over the Detroit Red Wings. Obama said Pittsburgh fans may be getting spoiled -- the Penguins' title follows the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl victory.

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