Reports that Phil Jackson may be interested in getting back to Los Angeles aren’t hard to fathom. It’s starting to get cold in New York and everybody with the option has to consider how much they really like the wind chill factor. The Orange County Register reports that Jackson’s New York Knicks situation is “fluid” — in other words, the man being paid $12 million a year to revitalize the Knicks could jet (when the season ends) after transforming the Knicks from horrible to genuine mediocre. That’s a good gig if you can get it.
Factors that might be pulling Jackson west? Jackson’s girlfriend is Lakers part-owner Jeanie Buss and Jackson has a rich history of success with the Lakers. Both teams are on the upswing, with real talent, but the Lakers’ talent is generally younger (with young franchise-type Porzingis the exception). Jackson would love to add a 12th ring — likely a more important objective than any potential salary. But would the Lakers pay $12 million a year for him? That’s Jim-Dolan-in-desperation money.
