Phil Jackson, president of the New York Knicks, sits with Jeanie Buss, part-owner and president the Los Angeles Lakers, at Staples Center on March 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors indicated that Phil Jackson could consider returning to his old team even before his contract with the New York Knicks runs out. But according to Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss, Jackson will stay in the Big Apple.
Buss said in an interview with ESPN radio that Jackson is not eyeing to return to Los Angeles, contrary to recent speculations. Buss reiterated that her fiancée is committed to the Knicks and is determined to revive the franchise after several years of failure, including the last two full seasons under his watch.
"He's committed to New York for many years," Buss said, referring to Jackson. "He's building something there."
Buss said that Jackson, who played for the Knicks for 11 seasons, loves New York fans. It is the main reason why Jackson wants to stay, as he is determined to build a championship team.
Buss added that their front office are already planning their possible moves this offseason, expressing excitement about the future of their team. The Lakers, who recently hired Luke Walton as their next head coach, will pick second in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Jackson took over as team president in 2014 and was viewed as savior for the struggling franchise. However, the Knicks have only won 48 games since the 11-time champion coach arrived in New York. He initially hired Derek Fisher as coach, but his former player was fired midway through the 2015-16 NBA season.
Jackson named Kurt Rambis as interim coach and was tipped to become the full-time coach this summer. However, the Knicks made a surprising move, hiring Jeff Hornacek as their new coach.
Hornacek's hiring intrigued fans, as Jackson wanted a coach familiar with the triangle offense. The former Phoenix Suns mentor has not played under the intricate system, which fueled speculation Jackson, who can opt out of his five-year contract after the 2016-17 season, is already preparing for his eventual exit.
Sources told New York Post Jackson still wants the Knicks to run the triangle offense, but will also integrate Hornacek's ideas. Hornacek went 101-112 during his three-year stint with the Suns before he was fired in February after a dismal 14-35 start this season.
Watch Jackson's recent interview, talking about his vision for the Knicks.
