Thu, Jun 16, 2005 page20

• LA Lakers rehire Phil Jackson after firing him last year

  • AP
  • • 
    • 
    • 

  Phil Jackson is returning to the Los Angeles Lakers following a reconciliation with the team that cut him loose last year after three NBA championships in five seasons.

  The Lakers rehired Jackson on Tuesday, after he was let go by team owner Jerry Buss last June.

  "This is something I never thought could possibly happen," Jackson said. "It's a pleasure to come back."

  Jackson, who turns 60 in September, has had health issues in the past and underwent an angioplasty two years ago. He told an American television station before the opening game of the NBA Finals that he underwent a series of tests to make sure he was healthy.

  Jackson agreed to a three-year contract. Terms were not announced, but it's believed he'll be earning between US$7 million and US$10 million per year, which would make him the highest-paid NBA coach ever.

  Jackson's dismissal a year ago set in motion a makeover of massive proportions that proved to be disastrous.

  Dominant big man Shaquille O'Neal demanded a trade, and superstar Kobe Bryant opted out of his contract to become a free agent the same day Jackson's five-year run as coach ended.

  The futures of O'Neal and Bryant were decided the following month, with O'Neal being traded to Miami and Bryant staying with the Lakers.

  Rudy Tomjanovich succeeded Jackson -- signing a five-year, US$30-million contract -- but lasted barely half a season, citing health reasons when he suddenly resigned Feb. 2.

  Jackson's name was mentioned as a possible replacement almost immediately despite his having written a book detailing the 2003-2004 season in which he called Bryant uncoachable and made other disparaging remarks about the franchise.

  "I think it's a matter of trust, a matter of rebuilding the trust that we had," Jackson said of his relationship with Bryant. "And yes, I have talked to Kobe; he actually called me this morning to congratulate me on the job. And I felt confident that he's confident that we can go forward."

  Bryant's reaction to a possible return by Jackson seemed lukewarm at best during the past several months. But Bryant released a more positive statement through his agent, Rob Pelinka, shortly after the hiring was announced.

  "When the Lakers began the search for a new head coach, I put my complete trust in Dr. Buss and [general manager] Mitch Kupchak to select the person they thought was best for the Lakers' organization," Bryant said in the statement. "In Phil Jackson, they chose a proven winner. That is something I support."

  Shortly after Tomjanovich's resignation, Bryant said he would "roll with it" if Jackson returned. Two days after the season ended, Bryant said he didn't care who was hired as coach, adding he trusted the track record of Buss and Kupchak.

  "Whoever they bring in here, I'm going to be ready," Bryant said. "I'm just open to whoever they feel like is going to get the job done."

  Jerry Buss said in early May he believed Jackson and Bryant could coexist.

  "Oh, definitely. No question," Buss said. "These people want to win."

  With injuries playing a major role, the Lakers lost 19 of their last 21 games under interim coach Frank Hamblen to finish 34-48 and out of the playoffs for just the second time since 1976.

  Jackson has coached nine NBA championship teams -- six with the Chicago Bulls and in his first three years with the Lakers.
• Most Popular

  • 1

    Air quality to deteriorate nationwide from tomorrow

  • 2

    Taiwan conflict ‘catastrophic’ for China: US report

  • 3

    Taiwan closely monitoring Venezuela developments

  • 4

    Taiwan ‘prepared’ for Venezuela-style attack: MND

  • 5

    EVA pilot suspended for striking first officer