Phil Jackson, the storied 11-time champion coach, revealed shocking news to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2011 postseason that has just now surfaced. During the Lakers series with the Dallas Mavericks in the second round, Jackson told the Lakers he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Jackson details his ordeal in his upcoming book Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success. According to The Los Angeles Times, the cancer was treated "initially with medication and later by surgery."
Sources are saying that Jackson is looking to return to the NBA in some capacity, although he may prefer to come back in an executive role as opposed to coaching on the sidelines. Jackson's name was floated early this season when the Lakers fired Mike Brown after a 1-4 start. Dwight Howard was battling injury issues and Steve Nash had fractured his leg, but that did not matter when it came to Brown getting the boot.
Jackson was rumored to be a replacement for Brown, but the Lakers instead offered the position to current head coach Mike D'Antoni, who had a hard time melding the pieces on Los Angeles' roster to fit his vaunted offensive system. At various points in the year when the Lakers have struggled, the crowd has been heard chanting "We want Phil!" The Lakers have said publicly that they intend to bring D'Antoni back next season.
Jackson was contacted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as well, who had a vacancy after firing Byron Scott. Jackson did not express much interest, however, and the Cavaliers ironically re-hired Brown.
Other reports connected Jackson to the Kings organization which for a while appeared destined to move to Seattle, home of one of the most raucous fan bases in the country. The Relocation Committee voted down the bid, though, and the Kings will remain in Sacramento for the time being.
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