Lakers Rumors: Latest Buzz on Possible Phil Jackson Reunion in LA
The Los Angeles Lakers and Phil Jackson don't seem to stay too far away from each other within the rumor mill, as the New York Knicks president has been linked with his former employers once again.
Jackson has an opt-out clause in his deal with the Knicks at the end of the 2016-17 season, which has some people already hinting at a possible return to Los Angeles. That includes Mark Heisler of the Orange County Register, who put the chances of Jackson returning to the Lakers at "50-50" despite Jackson still being focused on his job with the Knicks:
"Jackson and his fiance, Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss, both deny it’s happening. That’s absolutely true ... as far as it goes ... until Phil’s opt-out on July 1, 2017, with insiders close to both saying he could still wind up with the Lakers.
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Like all issues involving free agency, Phil’s availability will depend on the last thing that happens this season. The Knicks’ finish will decide if owner Jim Dolan is happy paying Jackson $12 million annually, which will decide if Phil feels like staying. Or maybe it’s the other way around. In any case, the situation is fluid.
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Jackson denied any Lakers rumors when he spoke with ESPN.com's Jackie MacMullan earlier in November. "I have not entertained that," he said. "I'm looking for this Knicks team to get back into a situation where they are competitive."
The 71-year-old was expected to build the Knicks back into an elite team, which they haven't been for the past two decades.
Given his track record, Jackson looked to be the perfect man for the job. He had won everywhere he went, taking home 11 NBA titles as a head coach, five of them coming with the Lakers.
It's been a trying start to Jackson's tenure in New York, though, which began in 2014. Since his arrival, New York hasn't sniffed the playoffs with a 58-124 record. This season, the Knicks are just 9-9.
If things fail to improve with the Knicks, Jackson's family and the team he's found so much success with in the past could call him back to greener pastures come next season.
