Phil Jackson has been rumored to be the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers for a number of weeks. Despite owner Dr. Jerry Buss saying that he had not formally discussed coaching with Jackson; numerous sources have repeated that "informal" negotiations have been going on for months through representatives for both parties. I have recently come into contact with a source close to the situation who explains in detail what it is that has been keeping Jackson from re-joining the Lakers. This source confirmed that Jackson and the Lakers have agreed to financial terms and are very close to a deal. The negotiations, however, have stalled. The issue is not about Kobe Bryant. It's not about ownership as widely speculated. It's not specifically about personnel issues, though that may be part of it. According to my source, the primary issue is that Phil Jackson desires "the title of president." In his "State of the Lakers" press conference last week, Dr. Buss acknowledged Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Assistant General Manager Jimmy Buss as his key advisors. I am told that Jackson does not mind their roles in personnel decisions, but he requires "there to be a clear line of authority" ensuring that he answers directly and solely to Dr. Buss. Laker fans are familiar with Kupchak. Many blame him for the most recent season of failure, but the decision to trade Shaquille O'Neal came from ownership. Kupchak certainly has his work cut out for him as the Lakers need to improve their roster both dramatically and quickly. Less well known is Jimmy Buss who just finished his seventh season with the team. Jimmy, the son of Dr. Buss, ran the Los Angeles Lazers of the now defunct Major Indoor Soccer League. He also spent many years training thoroughbred racehorses. According to Steve Springer of the Los Angeles Times (2002), Dr. Buss asked Jimmy to become Jerry West's shadow as it became apparent that West's tenure as Laker GM was coming to a close. Jimmy told the Times that he found a similarity between scouting NBA players and evaluating and buying racehorses. "When you watch an athlete in motion, there are some of the same tendencies," Jimmy said. "I'm not comparing horses to people. That's not fair. But with what I had done, it was easy to relate to scouting." Prior to the 2004-5 season, Jimmy's role was with the team reportedly was middleman between Kupchak and Dr. Buss, along with scouting and assisting in other basketball operations. It's being said, Jimmy has taken a more active role since Jackson and O'Neal's departure in 2004. His biggest move to date was the hiring of Rudy Tomjanovich as head coach. I am told that Jimmy "personally negotiated the contract." Unfortunately for the Lakers, Tomjanovich wasn't able to make it through the season with health concerns. Jackson apparently had conflicts with Jimmy and Kupchak during his previous tenure with the club. Now he is demanding a role in the organization that will empower him to function unencumbered. Dr. Buss, apparently in response to Phil's requirements, told the selected group of media at his recent address that neither an executive title nor ownership would go to the Lakers' next coach. I have also been informed that Dr. Buss envisions passing the team on to Jimmy Buss over time. Giving the team's head coach a position above his son is unacceptable. Thus both parties have reached stalemate. What's the Solution? Dr. Buss mentioned that he had a list of other candidates to coach the team. My column Wednesday ruled out Larry Brown, Pat Riley and Gregg Popovich. What other coaches can bring the championship pedigree to the Lakers? While the Lakers have the draft and free agency to prepare for, Jackson can afford to sit out a season and look for a better opportunity in the future. My source says that Jackson wants to coach the team, but he won't bend on this issue. If it's a waiting game, the Lakers will lose out. Without Jackson, there are some serious concerns for the future of the organization. The team needs a coach strong enough to handle the intense media scrutiny of the Los Angeles market. The coach will need to find a way to harness the talent of Kobe Bryant while integrating an evolving team of players around him . . . not necessarily an easy task if last season can be used to judge. Perhaps the team has an alternative plan, but if it's not executed to perfection, the Lakers may be looking at a second straight year in the lottery. Unfortunately for LA, the Boston Celtics hold the rights to the 2006 Laker pick unless it's in the top ten. If things don't go the team's way, the Lakers may be looking at a long rebuilding project. That is why Dr. Buss needs to be the one to relent in this negotiation. It's not a choice of Jackson or Jimmy. It's simply a delay that is in the best interest of the team and in the best interest of Dr Buss' son. If the Lakers don't get Jackson, it is likely that things will get worse before they get better. The Lakers are not a sure thing anymore. Let the experts right the ship so that when Jimmy takes over, he's got a sure thing. When Dr. Buss bought the team, there were many skeptics. When the torch is passed, there will be many more. As Jerry was a great success, so may Jimmy build such a legacy. In the meantime, let the coach with nine NBA championships lead the way.
