LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson has urged his players not to be emotionally distracted when they launch their NBA title defense on Tuesday moments after receiving their championship rings.

The Lakers, who clinched their 15th championship and first since 2002 with a 4-1 series victory over the Orlando Magic in June, will start the 2009-10 season against city rivals the Clippers in front of a passionate crowd.

“It’s very difficult to play on ring night,” Jackson told reporters at the team’s El Segundo training facility on Monday.

“The distractions are great and people are living in the past and on the laurels of the past. You're only a success in the moment when you complete a successful act -- that's one of the things that we keep telling these players. Last year's success, that was over in June,” he said.

Overall, though, Jackson felt the knowledge of past success was a key component in building future glory.

“The idea that you have to protect something or defend something as the defending champion is always a good deal for a team,” the 64-year-old said.

“The knowledge they are going to have go out and play well, the crowds are going to be there, you are going to be facing challenges on the road, your home fans are going to be expecting you to win and you have to bring that energy to excite people, yourself and the team.”