KMAX: Sports

Jackson hopes for contract extension

By JOHN NADEL
AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) Phil Jackson hopes to sign a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The coach is entering the final season of a five-year, $30 million contract he signed in June 1999. The Lakers won NBA titles his first three years but lost in the playoffs to eventual champion San Antonio this season.

Asked about the likelihood of a new deal, Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger, said: ``I think that would be the aim of all concerned. It obviously has been a very productive and meaningful association and something we believe both sides would benefit from if it is extended.''

The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that Jackson and the Lakers are expected to complete a two-year extension, worth perhaps $16 million before bonuses, in the coming week.

Musburger speaking Friday from his Chicago office wouldn't confirm those terms, calling the report ``speculative.''

The agent said no talks have been scheduled but he will do so when something can be arranged.

``When we have information on Phil's contract status, we will discuss it at the appropriate time,'' Lakers spokesman John Black said.

Musburger did say that Jackson mentioned the possibility of extending his contract for two years when people asked him about it last season.

Jackson, who turns 58 next month, had an angioplasty May 10 to unblock an artery to his heart, causing him to miss a playoff game against San Antonio. The Spurs eliminated the Lakers five days later.

Jackson also had a kidney stone removed in February, forcing him to miss three games the first games he missed in 13 years as an NBA head coach.

Musburger said Jackson is doing well now.

``He's actually feeling splendid, he's in great shape,'' Musburger said. ``He's had a restful and really solid period of the kind of exercise and regimen that the doctors were hoping he could attain.

``Part of the reason for his good health is we've been able to keep the media away from him,'' Musburger added with a laugh.

Jackson's nine championships as a coach he won six with Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls in the 1990s tie him with Red Auerbach for most in NBA history.

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