Phil Jackson in Conversation with Ben McGrath at the MasterCard stage at SVA Theatre. (Photo : Getty Images/Brad Barket)
The Los Angeles Lakers will have the opportunity to bring back former executive Jerry West to run the front-office as early as next summer. Mark Heisler of the Orange County Register reported West's contract with Warriors is set to expire in July.
The Myth Returns?
West, the man behind the Lakers' showtime dynasty in the 80s and the franchise's three-peat in early 2000s, will be hitting the market soon as one of the most sought front-office power-players in the league.
Heisler believes it would be foolish for the Lakers management not to pursue West, who once again proved that he has that 'golden touch' by becoming an instrumental figure in turning the Golden State Warriors into a successful franchise that it is now.
"If this is a Golden Oldie - I like to make this pitch annually - the Lakers are approaching a watershed moment. With Jeanie Buss preparing to nudge her brother, Jim, to the side - darn, did I give away the ending? - it will be a continuation of this Looney Tunes saga not to pursue West, whose contract with the Warriors is up next summer, in whatever capacity works for him."
The 78-year old West may no longer be fit to manage the Lakers' roster, but Heisler nevertheless think the former executive will still have a major impact on the franchise as a consultant.
"Consulting is a good compromise between being in the action without getting burned out for West. If it would be unorthodox to pay him $1 million or more just to consult, that's what the Warriors did to get him out of retirement at 73 when he had been out of the game for four years."
The Zen Master Also L.A Bound?
Then there's the rumor of potential comeback of Phil Jackson to the Lakers. Jackson, who led the purple-and-gold to five NBA championships, could also become a free-agent in the general manager market, if he opts out from his contract with the Knicks next summer.
Heisler said he was told by a league source that the Lakers are the favorites to land Jackson, largely because of his relationship with team executive Jeanie Buss.
"Jackson and his fiance, Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss, both deny it's happening. That's absolutely true ... as far as it goes ... until Phil's opt-out on July 1, 2017, with insiders close to both saying he could still wind up with the Lakers."
Jackson will likely replace Mitch Kupchak, who hasn't landed any major free-agent names the last three years.
