'There Is No Maybe' Jackson Isn't Returning
Phil Reiterates He Will Retire After Season Ends
EL SEGUNDO (CBS/AP) - Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson has reiterated this will be his last season working the sideline.
Coming into this season with a chance for an unprecedented fourth "three-peat" and his second with the Lakers, Jackson at the time called the 2010-11 campaign his "last stand."
In an interview Thursday in El Segundo, Jackson said, "I've had a couple retirements in the process," Jackson said. "In the 1998-99 season and also the 2004-05 sabbatical, which was quite enjoyable. And last year, I didn't have a contract at the end of the year so, there was those things that have gone on that have contributed to the fact that it's the last year, but, maybe. ... This year, there's no maybe."
When Kobe was asked about Phil's retirement, he responded with, "I will do everything in my powere to send him off the right way." He also said he will join Phil fly fishing after his retirement.
However, the 11-time NBA champion acknowledged in September that he's still uncertain whether he'll retire after this season, as he repeatedly vowed last summer when he agreed to return with a pay cut.
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