Kurt Rambis has played the part of loyal soldier. He has been the model interim coach in a lot of ways: affable, earnest, absolutely committed to carrying out his boss’ interpretation of what basketball should look like.
If you look up the word “interim” in the dictionary, you don’t see Rambis’ face, as the old joke goes. But you do see these two words that define it perfectly: “provisional” and “temporary.” Provisional — like the shot you hit off a tee in golf in the event your first ball went out of bounds. If all goes as you hope, you forget all about your provisional as soon as you can.