Jackson Sees Where Jordan’s Going

While the world scoffs at rumors that Michael Jordan might return from his slide into middle age to play again in the NBA, Phil Jackson remains willing to believe. That’s big news in this town, where a statue of Jordan outside the arena is the sturdiest thing about the organization.

Jackson last spoke to Jordan in late February, not long after the trade deadline.

“I think when Michael works out he’s going to work out as if he’s coming to play basketball,” Jackson said. “He’s going to work out like that. He’s going to have a parachute in case he doesn’t want to do it, in case he feels like it’s not worth it, in case he doesn’t feel like he can play up to the level he wants to play at. You know, if he’s going to work out, I think he’s going to work out as if he’s coming back to play ball.

“It’s just to see where it takes him, I think. I think it’s a motivational event for his team. I know he got on the court with the Wizards a couple days ago. If he’s putting himself up against professional players, I think he’s waiting to see what he feels like when he’s out there.”

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Kobe Bryant participated in Thursday’s shoot-around, but did not play against the Bulls. Jackson said he did not expect Bryant, who has a strained left foot, to play tonight in Boston. He has been out seven of eight games.

“I’m not counting on him being back [against the Celtics],” Jackson said. “That would be way more than I expect. If he came back on Sunday we’d all be happy.”

Bryant was not available for comment.

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Isaiah “J.R.” Rider, benched Tuesday for tardiness, said Thursday he is determined to play hard and unselfishly because he believes his future is in the balance.

“I want to be in L.A. next year,” he said.

At the end of a tumultuous regular season that provided the Lakers with little on-court production in exchange for their patience, re-signing Rider would seem to be a longshot.

In one of his better recent games, Rider scored eight points and had three assists in 15 minutes against the Bulls.

Before the game, Jackson wasn’t too sure.

“He’s not great in shoot-arounds,” Jackson said. “Mornings are not Isaiah’s time of the day. So, shoot-arounds, sometimes I think he just rolls out of bed and gets to the bus.”

TONIGHT

at Boston

4:30 PDT, Channel 9 (5:30)

* Site--FleetCenter.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 50-26, Celtics 34-41.

* Record vs. Celtics: 1-0.

* Update--The Celtics, who lost at Orlando Wednesday night, are battling the Indiana Pacers for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Paul Pierce averages 25.3 points and Antoine Walker averages 22.9 points and 9.0 rebounds.