Lakers Rumors: Phil Jackson and Luke Walton Could Reunite in LA
By Eric Yee
New reports support Stephen A. Smith’s claim that a Phil Jackson Lakers reunion is in the works
Stephen A. Smith was the first to report that this season could perhaps be Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak‘s last with the Purple and Gold leaving Jeanie Buss in full control of the Lakers organization.
Equally alarming was his report that, in doing so, she would be clearing the way to bring back Phil Jackson to the Lakers. That said, Stephen A Smith isn’t the most reliable source for rumors. Enter Adrian Wojnarowski.
Per Yahoo Sports, Wojnarowski revealed late Monday night that,
"There’s still a strong belief Jackson will eventually find his way to his fiancée Jeanie Buss and the Los Angeles Lakers. Walton will be competing with Thibodeau for the Lakers job in the spring, and who knows: Jackson and Walton could be reunited there."
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Unlike Smith’s report, Wojnarowski ties in the fact that Jackson returning to Los Angeles could sway former player, Luke Walton, back to his old team, this time as a coach.
Walton recently revealed that he wouldn’t discuss head coaching offers until the end of the season, but a lot can happen over the course of a few months. Even the prospect of such a reunion should have Walton pondering the possibilities.
ESPN sources say Luke Walton is determined to see out this season in Golden State and not entertain head coaching offers until the offseason
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 8, 2016
The rumors become even more realistic when you realize that Jackson actually has an opt-out clause with the New York Knicks this summer.
Per Frank Isola of the New York Daily News,
"Jackson has an opt-out clause in his contract this summer that could make him a free agent and available to return to what he really loves; the Lakers, his beach house and Jeanie Buss. Not necessarily in that order, of course."
Similar to the Smith rumor, nothing is imminent but the fact that Woj came out and backed up his claims makes them that much more intriguing.
Much has been made about the Lakers’ roster situation — who they should trade at the deadline, whether or not they’ll keep their pick, if they have enough to lure Kevin Durant away from the Oklahoma City Thunder — but a front office shake up of this proportion could prove to be equally beneficial to the future of the franchise.
Next: Stephen A Smith Believes Phil Jackson Will Return to LA
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