By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport Online

In his best-selling book 'Sacred Hoops - Spiritual Lessons of a Hardware Warrior', Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson neatly summed up the rollercoaster experience of life in the NBA.

"Like life, basketball is messy and unpredictable," the 57-year-old basketball legend wrote.

"It has its way with you, no matter how hard you try to control it," wrote Jackson, who has experienced far more ups than downs during his career.

I am a great believer in making my own luck Phil Jackson LA Lakers coach

"The trick is to experience each moment with a clear mind and open heart.

"When you do that, the game - and life - will take care of itself."

But in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Online, Jackson, whose Lakers team are chasing their fourth straight championship, admitted he is probably the last person to take his own advice.

"I can't sleep after games sometimes," said Jackson.

"I have questions to ask my coaching staff and people close to the organisation about how we are progressing.

Jordan and Jackson won six titles together

"I also have questions about the players on my team and whether they are good enough.

"All that kind of stuff crops up when you lose. These are the things that you have to deal with as a coach that can really make life difficult."

After leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships in nine years, the 'Zen Master' has won three more titles in Los Angeles.

This run of success has cemented his name in basketball history as the first coach to win multiple titles with different NBA franchises.

This season, however, his superstar charges have failed to deliver, and the mighty Lakers are currently outside the Western Conference play-off places.

But Jackson is not the type to rest on his oars, or curse the winds of fortune for not blowing his way.

"Do I think that we are doing everything we can but we just can't win? Sometimes. But I am a great believer in making my own luck."

Lagging behind the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trailblazers and Phoenix Suns in the Pacific Division, a change in luck could not come too soon for the Lakers.