Much speculation has been made concerning coach Phil Jackson’s future, and many believe that the Lakers success will depend largely on whether or not Jackson will be back with the team next season. However, a reported internal spat between Jackson and Lakers ownership has surfaced recently causing concern amongst many of the teams fans. As Lazenby points out, the situation involving Jackson and the Buss family is very similar to the unraveling of the Bulls dynasty back in 1998. The motivating factor in this scenario is inevitably money, as Jackson wants to be paid what he feels he deserves.
“If things go bad here — and I’m not saying they will — but if they do, it will likely involve that sort of hubris where Jim and Jerry Buss would be eager to prove they can do it cheaper without him. They’ve already let him go once before. People don’t forget that. The Busses fired Phil in 2004, so it’s not like they’re oozing trust down there in El Segundo.”
The case Lazenby makes here is correct once again. Just as the ego factor may have something to do with bringing in LeBron James, it could just as easily be the cause of Phil Jackson’s departure. The loss of Jackson would create a ripple that would resonate throughout the entire organization, and would certainly kill all LeBron James speculation. While the sunshine and glamor of Hollywood is certainly alluring, the main asset Los Angeles currently has in luring in James is Phil Jackson. 
The greater cost of losing Jackson for the Lakers may not even come in attracting outside free agents, but in keep their own. While James has certainly become synonymous with the 2010 free agent class, many are taking for granted the assumption that reigning Finals MVP Kobe Bryant will be back in LA next season. If Jackson leaves in search of greener pastures will that affect the way Bryant feels about staying with the organization? Obviously the focus right now for Jackson, Bryant, and the rest of the Lakers is another NBA championship, but once the season ends there are many of questions that will need answers.
Next: What does the future hold?
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