ABC’s Idea of a Triangle Could Feature Jackson

As if Kobe Bryant vs. Shaquille O’Neal isn’t enough to hype the much-anticipated Christmas Day game between the Lakers and Miami Heat at Staples Center, there is also a possibility that former Laker coach Phil Jackson will be courtside working as the ABC commentator alongside Al Michaels.

ABC Sports executive producer Mike Pearl, looking for a replacement for Doc Rivers, now the Boston Celtics’ coach, is talking with Jackson’s agent in Chicago, Todd Musburger.

Brian Musburger, who works with his father Todd, said Thursday it could happen. Jackson could not be reached for comment, but he has indicated that while he does not want to work a full schedule he might be available for a few games. The Christmas Day game would be ideal.

Jackson’s girlfriend, Jeanie Buss, said, “Like anyone else whose significant other is no longer working full-time, I’d like to see Phil do something before he drives me crazy.”

Added Buss: “Seriously, I think it’s a great opportunity. But I don’t control him. It will be his decision.”

As for Jackson working on Christmas Day, Buss said that could present a problem.

“He is very close with his [five] children and I know he would want to spend Christmas Day with them,” Buss said.

But what fun he could have at Staples Center that day. And he might be able to work in a few plugs for his book as well.

Karros’ Future

Former Dodger Eric Karros has been getting a lot of air time these days, making a guest appearance on the Dodger radio broadcast Sept. 8 and more recently working for Fox.

Had the Dodgers beaten the St. Louis Cardinals last Sunday and forced a Game 5, Karros would have been on a red-eye to Atlanta to work Game 5 of the Braves’ series with Houston as a commentator.

He has been doing mostly weekend studio work for Fox, and he’ll be back with studio co-hosts Jeanne Zelasko and Kevin Kennedy during this weekend’s baseball coverage.

Karros made a good impression during his Dodger guest appearance, and Fox has been very pleased with his work.

So is broadcasting in his future?

Karros, who was released by the Oakland Athletics July 29 and turns 37 Nov. 4, said he hasn’t made up his mind.

“I still want to play, if it’s the right situation,” he said.

As for broadcasting employment with Fox or the Dodgers, Karros said he would consider such possibilities. But he said if Ross Porter was let go, that could present a problem because of his fondness for Porter.

“I have a lot of respect for Ross that goes far beyond baseball,” Karros said. “That could be a tough situation.”

As for Porter’s future with the Dodgers, Karros said, “I’ve been told nothing except that I did a nice job for six innings.”

Another Porter Backer

Tommy Hawkins, the Dodgers’ vice president of external affairs, has known Porter since they did the high school basketball game of the week for Channel 4 in 1969.

“He is the ultimate professional,” Hawkins said. “No one works harder and no one researches more than Ross.”

But Hawkins is not the Dodger executive who will decide Porter’s fate. That lies mostly with Lon Rosen. And owner Frank McCourt will make the final decision.

Atlanta Brave broadcaster Don Sutton called Porter to tell him he wasn’t responsible for the rumors about him possibly coming to the Dodgers, nor has he talked to anyone in the Dodger organization.

One more thing regarding Porter: On Thursday, he and Tom Kelly were selected as the newest members of the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame. They will be inducted Jan 31.

Surgery for McDonnell

KSPN’s Joe McDonnell, who has battled an eating disorder most of his life, will undergo gastric bypass surgery next week and will be off the air for an undetermined amount of time.

“I can’t wait,” McDonnell said. “I’m getting a chance at a more normal life.”

Dave Stone and Rod Van Hook will fill in as Doug Krikorian’s partner.

Short Waves

The latest word on XTRA moving to 570 is that it won’t be happening for a while.... UCLA has announced a new marketing agreement with a North Carolina company, IPS Sports, that will eventually handle broadcast rights. But UCLA’s contract with XTRA will not expire until 2008.... USC flagship KMPC is still trying to beef up its signal and the station’s new antenna may be in place before the end of the football season.

TVG will provide Cal Cup coverage from Santa Anita Saturday from 1-5 p.m., with FSNW2 simulcasting the final two hours.... The Lakers’ exhibition game against Derek Fisher and the Golden State Warriors will be televised by FSNW next Thursday, followed by a guest appearance by Jackson on “Best Damn Sports Show Period.” ... The Lakers’ exhibition opener against Seattle got a 6.3 rating on Channel 9, the highest rating for a Laker exhibition game since 1996.

Ready for college basketball? CSTV will devote 2 1/2 hours to Midnight Madness tonight, beginning at 8.... Recommended viewing: CSTV profiles legendary Grambling football coach Eddie Robinson on Saturday at 1 p.m.... Recommended reading: Stu Evey, the former Getty Oil executive who came up with the funding to start ESPN in 1979, has written a fascinating book, “Creating an Empire: ESPN.”