Questions The Los Angeles Lakers Must Ask This Offseason

Will Phil Jackson return?

With Jackson winning his 10th ring, passing Red Auerbach for most championships all time, does Jackson call it quits? Considering his health lately, and him not really being able to get at it like he used to, I think that's it for him. What's left for him to prove? I think the Zen Master hangs up his triangle.

If not Phil, then who?

If Jackson hangs it up, I don't see the Lakers looking any further than their bench for a successor. Kurt Rambis turned down the Sacramento Kings' job to return to L.A. He would probably get the first interview. Also on staff, they have Brian Shaw, who will probably be the hot name next year when jobs start opening up. He probably will get the second interview. Maybe they give former Laker Byron Scott a call. If desperate, they can call former coach Pat Riley to see if he wants to return.

Who stays, who goes?

Both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom are free agents this summer. Can the Lakers re-sign both? Ariza's value skyrocketed with his playoff performance. Odom will have his share of offers also. Does Derek Fisher return or retire? Fisher came through in the Finals after having a rough first three rounds. Do the Lakers give up on Andrew Bynum? The Lakers could package him along with some salary to make room to re-sign both Ariza and Odom. Bynum has shown flashes, but he has been injury prone and inconsistent.

No matter what the Lakers do this offseason, as long as they have No. 24, they have a chance to win it all. (I know Kobe can option out this year, but really?)