KOBE, PHIL COEXISTING PEACEFULLY.

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

It was lost on Sunday, the way everything else was dwarfed by Kobe Bryant's incredible 81-point night against Toronto.

Yet something else should have been signaled to NBA followers Sunday besides confirmation of Kobe's greatness.

It's not as historic, but ultimately may prove to have greater significance in the Lakers' attempt to regain elite status:

Kobe and Phil Jackson have made peace.

They are not best buddies, not connected now on some mystical wavelength. Not likely to one day purchase retirement homes next to each other on a lake.

But they seem comfortable with each other, respectful. They have grown past some professional recognition to the benefits of working together, to one of quiet admiration.

After Kobe left the court Sunday to his rousing, standing ovation, he and Phil met on the sideline and hugged. A few quick words were exchanged. Kobe termed it a special moment.

Afterward, Kobe said something about that moment that was lost Sunday amid the euphoria of the night but deserves keener focus.

``It's special for me because when I try to play the game, I try to please him,'' Kobe said. ``If he's happy with my performance, it makes me happy because I learned the game from him.''

Kobe plays to please Phil? It was a remarkable comment, particularly in light of their recent history.

Coming soon: Grinning Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent spotted sharing brewskies at local pub.

Kobe-Phil II was supposed to be a disaster in waiting. Their reciprocal effort to work together again viewed by many as a thin disguise to conceal genuine enmity.

But as Phil hoped, they have bonded by a mutual desire to succeed. Have grown past old disappointments and lingering bitterness to forge this new effort at attaining success.

Phil coached Michael Jordan - considered by most the greatest player of all time - to six NBA titles. Yet his admiration for Jordan has limits, at least when compared to the praise he offered Tuesday for Kobe.

``He's a remarkable athlete,'' Phil said. ``I think being in his 10th NBA season, there's some wear and tear that takes away a little bit of the athleticism that might have been there five years ago.

``So he knows that and he has to save himself for those times, and preps himself for games like no other athlete that I've had.''

Like no other athlete? Even his numerous detractors have to credit Kobe for the dedication to his game. To his training and desire and commitment.

``I'm just driven,'' Kobe said. ``If I go have a game where I get 15 points or 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and somebody says, 'Well, they shut him down.' And if I get 60 points, 'Oh, well, he didn't pass enough.'

``I just use all of that stuff and store it inside and use it as fuel to drive me to get me and this organization to get back on top.''

Kobe's 81 points is the second-highest to Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record 100 points set in 1962. Phil played against the legendary Chamberlain, yet clearly believes Kobe's is the greater achievement.

``The challenge is ... the perimeter play,'' Jackson said. ``(And) the fact that it was in an established NBA arena instead of a backyard arena in Hershey, Pa.

``I don't want to diminish anything Wilt did because he was a terrific individual player for the NBA, but this is certainly remarkable.''

Certainly, there are moments when Phil rightly thinks Kobe puts up an ill-advised shot. For the Lakers to ultimately succeed, he recognizes the rest of the team has to become more routinely involved in the offense.

Surprise - just like Kobe.

Listen to what Phil said Tuesday: ``We remind our players that (Sunday) was a special night, a needed situation. But we can't have that as a steady diet if we're going to accomplish what we're trying to accomplish as a basketball team.

``We'd like our team to grow a little bit and be a surprise team in the playoffs.''

Now listen to Kobe on Tuesday: ``The important thing is for us to continue to work to get shots out of our offense and not necessarily play an isolation game and just kicking the ball out to them and getting shots.

``I want us to elevate our game as a team to a level where we can go into the playoffs and be effective and surprise some people.''

They're even starting to sound like each other.

This is not to say it will always be smooth sailing for the two from now on. Phil and Jordan were not always in sync. There will yet be moments.

But they are dependent upon each other to succeed and recognize it. The grand soap opera so many anticipated has not materialized.

They have made peace, and are both the better for it.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

(color) The Lakers' Kobe Bryant gets a hug from coach Phil Jackson after his record 81-point night.

Box:

LAKERS vs. GOLDEN STATE