Phil Jackson Agrees to Extension
Phil Jackson will be staying with the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2009-2010 season after agreeing to a two-year contract extension earlier today.
According to various reports out of Los Angeles, Jackson met with Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss today to inform the team of his decision to stay on board.
The extension offer had been on the table for several months, but Jackson was deliberating whether he had the passion to continue. He has also been recovering from his second hip replacement surgery, adding to the decision-making process.
In the new contract, Jackson will get a slight raise from the $30-million, three-year deal he signed in June 2005. Reports have indicated that he will be earning between $11- and $12-million.
An official announcement of the signing is expected soon.
By signing Jackson to an extension, the Laker organization increases stability in what has seemed to be an unstable front office. Over the summer, the team dealt with public bickering between the Buss siblings and Kobe Bryant's trade request. Keeping Jackson on board indicated to Los Angeles Lakers fans (and Kobe Bryant) that the team is maintaining some semblance of a plan as it moves forward.
Integral to that plan will be 20-year old Andrew Bynum, who the Los Angeles Lakers have made untouchable in most trade discussions, including any deals for Jason Kidd or Jermaine O'Neal. Jackson has slowly brought the young center along and is now giving him significant playing time; Andrew Bynum has produced well in this role, averaging a double-double with 11.1 points and 10.10 rebounds per game. He is also shooting a very solid .585 from the field.
The impact the extension has on the team will be seen over the course of the year and next summer, but very specific and pointed questions can be asked now. Did Jackson agree to return with assurances that the Los Angeles Lakers would provide him with the best roster to win his 10th championship as a coach? Did the team give any indication to him of their plans surrounding Kobe Bryant?
In any case, the extension being signed ends questions of Jackson's passion or willingness to continue. Jackson has made plenty of money in his life – at this point, he's being driven by some the pursuit of the final ring.
Apparently, he believes the Los Angeles Lakers provide him with that opportunity.
[More at www.hoopsworld.com]
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