Phil Jackson Not Interested in Bulls Job

By Benjy Lipsman in News on May 26, 2010 2:00PM

So remember yesterday, when back channel communications supposedly indicated Phil Jackson might be open to a second stint with the Bulls? Apparently the problem with these "unofficial" talks going through various intermediaries is that intentions get misconstrued or misreported. When asked about the rumors reported by ESPN before Tuesday night's Lakers-Suns game, Jackson made it clear he wasn't thinking about returning to the Bulls, saying that he has "no desire at all" to return to Chicago. However, he wasn't willing to commit as definitively to limiting his choice this off-season to either remaining with the Lakers or retiring.

When asked about the Nets vacancy, he mentioned that he would "like to have a vodka" with the new owner of the Nets, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. So if LeBron has any desire to play for Phil, it going to have to happen in Los Angeles, New Jersey or Cleveland. While this latest wrinkly may have burst our bubble a little, we guess it makes sense... after all, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf treated Jackson in about the same way that Jerry Buss is now doing. Given that a return to town would mean again working for Reinsdorf, we can understand his lack of interest -- it's not like Reinsdorf can offer a Jackson a sexy boss/girlfriend as part of the package.