Someone had to step forward and take control here, and it was Divac, the one person involved in this saga who counts big-boy pants among his wardrobe and who is exhibiting even an iota of leadership. Into the vacuum he climbed on Tuesday, brokering a deal by phone with Karl to keep the coach on board for now as they work "collectively on our issues," Divac said.
The hope, those involved told CBS Sports, is that Divac's vote of confidence in Karl will empower the intractable, 64-year-old coach to regain control of the locker room. We shall see. For his part, Karl acknowledged to Divac some of his own flaws that contributed to the team spiraling hopelessly to eight losses in nine games, including an inexcusable lack of effort, purpose and tactical wherewithal on defense.
