Phil Jackson's Future...

[salmahayek]

Not to jinx the Lakers, but it seems this championship is in the bag.

If so, will Phil call it quits? He will have passed Red Auerbach. He has had made millions and millions as the Lakers coach and his health (hips) has been a problem for him, especially with all the travel.

If he does retire, who will the Lakers get to be the head coach?

Here is an option I would like to see explored:

Pat Riley - there were the rumors that the Cavs wanted him to replace Mike Brown. So, it seems Riley may have the coaching itch again. The Lakers could probably pry him from his seat as Heat President to roam the Laker sideline in Staples and orchestrate Showtime II.

Riles could finish where he started and possibly add a couple of more championships...if the Lakers make the right personnel moves. Re-sign Ariza and Odom and possibly add Jason Kidd with the MLE. Yes, the Lakers would incur luxury taxes that could help solve the national deficit, but Dr. Buss wants to win the most championships in NBA history before he goes to the Big Playboy Mansion in the sky.

Since the Celtics will still be two ahead and are a championship threat right now with KG coming back, only way for the Lakers to do that is to spend $$$ - a lot of it - luxury tax be damned.

I think Kobe would would enjoy going back to the future with a high energy transition game, getting easier baskets and playing less minutes and Bynum would take the next steps in developing and implementing his low post game with Riley at the helm.

Food for thought.

[Danny Darko]

I do think Phil will look to retire after this year.

Hmmm I just don't think Riley is in the mood. I wouldn't mind seeing him back.

Byron Scott- wish we was a free agent coach

Rambis- probably our next coach. I think Kurt will have a better second run as coach, but would we miss the prestige of a big name coach? I certainly think Rambis or a young coach would pay Bynum more attention and I think he's going to really need that next year.

[iamworthy]

I do think Phil will look to retire after this year.

Hmmm I just don't think Riley is in the mood. I wouldn't mind seeing him back.

Byron Scott- wish we was a free agent coach

Rambis- probably our next coach. I think Kurt will have a better second run as coach, but would we miss the prestige of a big name coach? I certainly think Rambis or a young coach would pay Bynum more attention and I think he's going to really need that next year.

I think Byron Scott and Phil Jackson both have 1 more year on their current contracts.

[crazyeights]

Sure B-Scott was a former Laker and a mentor to Kobe his rookie season....but doesn't he get eventually get tuned out everywhere he goes? (You can say it's already happened in New Orleans and did happen in New Jersey.)

I guess we've been spoiled with having PJ, but even so. Am I the only one who is not thrilled at the idea of having Byron Scott as head coach?

[dockingsched]

i am also not thrilled about bscott and i don't think his style would go well at all with the lakers, especially if you're talking about a team coming off of two straight finals appearances and a championship title.

[KobeFan]

I dont see how this is even a topic of discussion given Phil Jacksons current contract that runs through next season. Why would he retire and leave a guaranteed $10M on the table? It doesn't make any fiscal sense.

I think Phil Jackson will be back if the money is right for another 2-3 year contract.

[Jajwanda]

I think Jackson has one more year in him and then a Rambis-Shaw combo will take over in order to run the triangle properly. By then the system will be so well ingrained in player's heads that it won't be such a daunting task as without Tex Winter and Phil.

When Phil leaves I expect the team to try to compensate by adding another player to make up for the intangibles loss. Someone of age, still hungry, but healthier than say a Karl Malone.

[TylersLakers]

It's not over yet.. Let's finish and then talk about this stuff.

[lakersfanatic]

Since we're pretty much the champions. If we're able to hold onto Ariza and Lo and get rid of our trash and get someone a little better.. I don't think phil mind staying a little longer, possibly get couple more rings to secure his record hehe.
I mean, if you were coach.. it would just hurt to much knowing that fact that the team could most likely win another championship and you're not there to accept it. hehe

But then again, having the prospect of Bscott as coach i wouldn't mind at all.

[Slava]

I really have a hard time expecting Phil to be be back next season given his health issues and his dislike for traveling for long stretches on the road but since he has endured 3 very tough seasons before this, he might want to make the most of it by winning a couple more rings atleast.

[KobeFan]

I think Phil has 1 more 3 peat in him before he hangs it up (this year, next year, and one last season after that).

[KObe Bryant]

The season is not over but speaking of this, hm. Phil retires and Kurt will be our next head coach.

[LAKESHOW]

first of all, i believe he will not make any decisions until his contract is up. he will fulfill and complete his contract that he signed and he asked for. i believe he will honor that contract and then call it quits(possibly, stay tuned).

secondly, i know this is where folks will call out for rambis, shaw, bscott etc...

but i like clemons. this is a guy who knows all of the nuances of the offensive structure in place. he knows how to tweak it and all of the adjustments needed in this particular type of offense. and lastly, he knows this team and these players.

[Sofa King]

Bryon Scott would be awesome. But I like to give Rambis or Shaw a nod. They've been with the Lakers for years and want a head coaching position. Stay true to those loyal to the organization and look to hire within.