Putting their cards on table, they tell Jackson they want him to return as coach. Now the ball is in his court, and his decision may come soon.
Phil Jackson does not know if he is going to coach the Lakers again, but this much has become crystal clear — the Lakers want Jackson.
Laker assistant general manager Jim Buss told Jackson earlier this week that the Lakers wanted him to return, effectively turning a two-way street — Jackson needed to warm up to the Lakers and the Lakers needed to warm up to him — into a one-way avenue.
Laker assistant general manager Jim Buss told Jackson earlier this week that the Lakers wanted him to return, effectively turning a two-way street — Jackson needed to warm up to the Lakers and the Lakers needed to warm up to him — into a one-way avenue.
Jim Buss told Jackson he was speaking for himself, General Manager Mitch Kupchak and his father, Laker owner Jerry Buss. Last month, Jerry Buss said he had not determined if he wanted Jackson back, an issue that has now been resolved. It is decidedly up to Jackson, with the Lakers awaiting a firm answer.
If Jackson agrees to return, negotiations would not be difficult, team vice president and minority owner Magic Johnson said last week. Jerry Buss said last month he was willing to pay relatively close to $10 million annually for a coach.
Appearing in a TV interview Thursday before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jackson told ABC his decision whether to coach next season would come soon, saying it was time to get "off the queue here in another day or two."
If Jackson agrees to return, negotiations would not be difficult, team vice president and minority owner Magic Johnson said last week. Jerry Buss said last month he was willing to pay relatively close to $10 million annually for a coach.
Appearing in a TV interview Thursday before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jackson told ABC his decision whether to coach next season would come soon, saying it was time to get "off the queue here in another day or two."
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