LOS ANGELES(AP) -- Phil Jackson will return to coach the Los
Angeles Lakers next season, getting a clean bill of health
following a record championship season.
The Hall of Fame coach turns 64 in September and said on the
team's Web site Friday he got the go-ahead for another season
after consulting the team doctor.
Jackson led the Lakers to their 15th NBA championship and his
10th title in June, breaking the mark he shared with the late
Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach.
"I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with
another long playoff postseason," he said. "All things point to
go!"
He signed a two-year contract extension last season and holds
the option on a second year.
Last season, Jackson missed two West Coast road games because of
pain and swelling in his lower legs caused by plantar fasciitis,
a problem he had checked out. He blamed late-night flights that
aggravated the condition.
He has undergone two hip replacement operations since October
2006 - using a cane at various times - and walks with a
noticeable hitch in his step. He underwent an angioplasty in
2003 to open a clogged artery in his heart....