Hall-of-Famer Jackson Could Bail Out of Lakers

Coach unhappy with management
By Max Brallier,  Newser User
Posted Sep 7, 2007 3:45 AM CDT
Hall-of-Famer Jackson Could Bail Out of Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, left, and head coach Phil Jackson go in different directions after a timeout in the closing moments of the fourth quarter of an NBA playoff basketball game in this April 22, 2007 file photo at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix. Bryant implied again that he wants to...   (Associated Press)

The Basketball Hall of Fame inducted Phil Jackson last night, securing his position in basketball history.  His role with the Lakers, however, is not quite as clear.  Jackson has an to offer re-sign, but said if the team "doesn't move forward quickly, and that's the second round of the playoffs, then I think we have to reconsider."

Jackson and Kobe Bryant, often at odds, are now in the same boat. Neither is getting any younger and neither wants to hang around while the Lakers rebuild.  Jackson now plays the role of diplomat, mediating between Bryant and management.  Neither look to be pleased anytime soon; the Lakers have yet to bring in a superstar this offseason. (More Kobe Bryant stories.)

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