For the longest time, rumors have been swirling that Phil Jackson would take the first chance that he got to go back to Los Angeles to rejoin the Lakers. But that’s often just been a fantasy for many, in hopes of digging the Lakers out of their biggest hole in franchise history.
Jackson’s fiancé and Lakers co-owner, Jeanie Buss, put those rumors to rest on Monday in an appearance on ESPN Radio’s Beadle and Shelburne Show:
“No. To visit, yes … but in terms of basketball, he’s committed to New York for many years. He’s building something there. He has a mission, he’s on that journey to get the team back to where he believes it can be and it will be. He’s a former Knick … he loves New York, he loves the fans, he wants to make them proud.
“In terms of the Lakers, we have a front office. They’re putting together a team … they have a vision. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us. So, to answer your question … no, there’s no plans for Phil to come back here.”
I think the NBA fan in all of us would find it extremely interesting if Jackson did go back to New York, but Buss’ comments make total sense. The NBA would be better if both the Knicks and Lakers were actually competing in their respective conferences, but the world stops for nobody. Jackson is in New York, he (understandably) loves New York, and played for the team. It shouldn’t be a surprise that in his competitive nature, he wouldn’t just give up on a franchise like that. He wants to make it work.
Although a mess itself, the Knicks might be an easier turnaround for Jackson than the Lakers would be. The Western Conference is still strong, with the Eastern Conference still looking considerably weak. Even if Jackson isn’t able to assemble a couple of big signings in the offseason, a well-constructed roster with the right pieces will make the postseason in that conference.
So even if it’s just for the time being, let the rumors be laid to rest, until you get that single shred of a “hint” that he might bolt for sunny Southern California.
[ESPN]
