Jackson Studies Options

If Phil Jackson is to become the Lakers’ next coach, money will have to be discussed with owner Jerry Buss and bread will have to be broken with Kobe Bryant.

Jackson has not done either yet, discussing his options with his agent and determining which way the wind will blow.

Buss is believed to be deciding whether he wants to return to Jackson and the triangle offense that he referred to as outdated only 10 months ago.

Jackson also holds some cards.

There are at least five teams interested in his services, the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers among them, and he could also decide to sit out next season.

Jackson’s agent, Todd Musburger, was in Los Angeles on Monday to discuss Jackson’s options with him, including those that exist with the Knicks.

On top of that, Jackson would have to figure out whether he wants to work for a Laker franchise coming off one of the worst seasons in its 58-year existence.

Presumably, before any talks of money and length of time take place, Jackson would have to make contact with Bryant, whom he described as uncoachable in his tell-all diary of last season. Those close to Bryant said Monday that Jackson had not initiated contact with the Laker All-Star.

Jackson has, however, spoken with Lamar Odom, introducing himself to the Laker forward at the team’s training facility in El Segundo two weeks ago. The two chatted briefly about Odom’s shoulder injury that ultimately sidelined him for the last month of the Laker season. Odom had surgery last week on his left shoulder and he will need almost four months of recovery time.

Jackson has been to the Laker offices numerous times over the last two months.