Wherever Hall Of Famer Coach Phil Jackson goes and whatever he does as a front office executive, rumors of what he will do next will always continue to follow him around. Ever since Phil Jackson took over as the New York Knicks president of basketball operation, there have been speculations that a possible reunion between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phil Jackson might become a reality.
With the New York Knicks struggling again this season with Phil Jackson as president, speculations have begun to increase even more. More so now this season because of the opt-out clause in Phil Jackson's contract that he can exercise this off season on July 1. Phil Jackson has since denied that he will opt out next year.
According to Mark Heisler of The Orange County Register, the odds of Phil Jackson leaving the New York Knicks and returning to the Los Angeles Lakers next year are at "50-50". Mark Heisler also added that the situation between Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks is "fluid" and much will depend on what will happen at the end of the season.
A 13 time NBA champion, 11 as a coach and 2 as a NBA player with the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson was hired by New York Knicks' owner Jim Dolan on March 2014 to try and turn around a struggling franchise. At that time, the New York Knicks just missed out on the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The following season, Phil Jackson's first season with the franchise, the New York Knicks finished the season with a 17-65 record, including a franchise record of 13 straight losses. The 17-65 record was the New York Knicks worst losing record in franchise history.
The good news after that disastrous season, the New York Knicks wound up with the number 4 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. The New York Knicks then drafted Kristaps Porzingis with the 4th overall pick. Kristaps Porzingis has continued to impress with his spectacular play and the New York Knicks look forward to making him the cornerstone of the franchise in the future.
Phil Jackson's possible return to the Los Angeles Lakers will be his third time with the franchise. While most people would see his return as because of his relationship with part-owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers Jeanie Buss, the two after all are engaged, from a management's point of view, Phil Jackson's return to the Lakers would be the best move for him instead of staying put with the New York Knicks.
With Carmelo Anthony not getting any younger at 32 and with only Kristaps Porzingis to build from for the future, the New York Knicks don't look appetizing to say the least. The Los Angeles Lakers meanwhile have a younger core to build on with top draft picks Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram. They also have a young and upcoming star in Jordan Clarkson. Plus the Los Angeles Lakers are coached by Luke Walton, a former player of Phil Jackson.
