It comes down to power.
There is a chance Phil Jackson might be walking through those Lakers’ doors. He might be what Lakers fans see as the cavalry coming over the hill (even though in his last season he took the Lakers exactly as far as Mike Brown did in his first one).
But this time Jackson doesn’t want to just be an employee, he wants Jim Buss’ power. And that prince may be too high. Here is the story from Ric Bucher of CSNBayArea.com.
There is a scenario in which former Lakers coach Phil Jackson would consider returning for a third stint with the team, sources said late Friday, but it will require executive VP Jim Buss once again relinquishing the organizational reins – and this time handing them to Jackson, rather than back to GM Mitch Kupchak.
One source described the possibility of Jackson returning, should a suitable offer be made, as “strong.”
Remember that Jackson and the Lakers didn’t part ways on the best of terms. Jackson and Jim Buss had their power struggles, and when Jackson left Buss purged traces of him from the organization — long-time assistant GM Ronnie Lester and much of the scouting staff was fired, for example. It went deeper than that. Brown was brought in by Jim Buss to put his stamp on the organization — he didn’t want Brian Shaw and continuity, he wanted to show he could run this team.
With that background, it always seemed unlikely to me Jackson would return. It is about power and ego (not to mention an 8-figure salary). Yet, Phil Jackson to the Lakers seems to have momentum. First, came the reports he was high on the Lakers list and Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said with Jackson “not coaching you’d be negligent not to be aware” and at least consider it. There is a report from Rotoworld about Jackson meeting with the Lakers last week (he was often around Lakers offices to visit Jeannie Buss). Dwight Howard reportedly wants Jackson and Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and others spoke highly of him at the Lakers game Friday night (a win).
Now he might be willing to take it, but the price is power. And that power, if Jim Buss gives it up, could shift more to Jeannie Buss — Jackson’s girlfriend and the business-savvy daughter of Jerry Buss who runs the Lakers business side of the operations (Jim has the basketball side).
It’s a Shakespearian drama playing out around the Lakers. But Jackson to the Lakers could happen.
The Lakers also are reportedly going to talk to Mike D’Antoni, the former Suns and Knicks coach. This also seems an odd fit despite Steve Nash being on the team because this roster does not fit his seven-seconds-or-less style. Plus, he just had knee replacement surgery in the last three weeks and is not exactly going to be up and around for at least another month.
