No matter what Phil Jackson says or does, the rumors bringing him back to the Los Angeles Lakers will likely never go away.
Mark Heisler of the Orange County Register reported Saturday that there is still a belief in NBA circles that Jackson, currently president of the New York Knicks, will wind up back in Los Angeles after the 2016-17 season, which is when he can opt out of his contract.
One factor is whether the Knicks will even want Jackson to stay. Owner James Dolan expects progress, and if the team’s results this season aren’t good enough, New York may not be interested in continuing to pay Jackson $12 million a year. If that happens, the sides may part ways, paving the way for Jackson to return to California.
Of course, Jackson has repeatedly downplayed these reports. If the Knicks decide the relationship isn’t working, however, he may not have any recourse.
