Jackson unlikely to return as Lakers' coach next season
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-06-17 10:12

Phil Jackson, the most successful coach in NBA history, said his career could be finished following Tuesday night's season-ending loss of the Los Angeles Lakers to the Detroit Pistons.

Jackson's Lakers fell to the Detroit Pistons 100-87 on Tuesday to lose the NBA Finals 4-1 and deny Jackson a record 10th championship ring.

"Right now, I would say that it's a pretty slim chance that I'll be back coaching next year," said Jackson at the postgame news conference. "I've had a lot of persuasion given to me by these kids, they were hoping I would win the 10th and retire."

"But maybe losing this one, this opportunity, is enough for me to say that it's time to give it up," said Jackson, who had nine championships.

The 58-year-old, a winner of six championships with the Chicago Bulls, has completed the five-year, US$30 million contract he signed in 1999. He was negotiating for an extension, but the Lakers broke off talks in February until after the season.

"My timetable is to meet with management after the season, discuss some things and then we'll make some decisions," added Jackson.

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