It’s Not Jackson’s Favorite Season

Phil Jackson, back in the fold with the Lakers, coached his first exhibition Tuesday. An occasion to remember?

Not in Jackson’s “mind’s eye,” to steal a phrase he is fond of using.

Jackson wasn’t exactly counting Tuesday as his official return, a sentiment more likely reserved for the season opener Nov. 2 against the Denver Nuggets.

Jackson’s nine championships are tied with Red Auerbach for most by a coach, and his 175 playoff victories are the highest in league history, but exhibitions fall low on his ladder of importance.

“I probably have the worst record ever of any coach in preseason games,” Jackson said. “I don’t look at these games as items that are absolutely necessary to win. I do like to see competitive play.”

The exhibition against the Golden State Warriors ended after this edition went to press.

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Jackson shared a memory of a previous training camp here, flashing back to more turbulent times two seasons ago.

“I thought back to Shaq [O’Neal] saying, ‘Show me the money,’ ” Jackson said. “I remembered that episode the other day and kind of laughed about it.”

The infamous episode took place after O’Neal blocked a Mike Dunleavy Jr. shot, turned to owner Jerry Buss sitting courtside and said, “Now you gonna pay me?” in reference to a contract extension that never came.

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Tonight’s exhibition, also against Golden State, will not be televised in Los Angeles. It can be heard on 570.... After seven days of training camp and two games, the Lakers are scheduled to leave Honolulu on Thursday morning. Their third exhibition is Tuesday against the Washington Wizards in Bakersfield.