Lakers Interested In Jeff Van Gundy
LOS ANGELES (CBS) - It appears that Lakers' head coach Phil Jackson, 65, means it when he says that this will be the last season of his illustrious coaching career. So the question remains: who will fill the shoes of the coach with more championship rings than fingers?
The only likely in-house successor is Lakers assistant coach, and former Laker, Brian Shaw. A source from within the organization has suggested that Shaw has "a better shot than anybody else." Another Lakers alumnus whose name is in the mix is Cleveland head coach Byron Scott. However, Scott would have to extricate himself from the clutches of his contract with Cleveland if he were to come to L.A.
Recently Trail Blazers' head coach, Nate McMillan, has been alluded to as possible successor to Phil Jackson, which could have been what spurred Portland to sign McMillan to a two-year extension just last week.
Reports indicate the Lakers are fascinated with the idea of hiring Jeff Van Gundy. While calling Van Gundy in from off the courtside announcing bench does sound interesting, many question whether he has the panache that Lakers owner Jerry Buss and Laker fans have come to expect.
