First, the Lakers are making it their high priority to re-sign head coach Phil Jackson to coach the Lakers for the 2010-2011 NBA season. Sources indicate that Phil Jackson, after having won his 11th career championship as a head coach, would like to return next year and attempt to coach a team to an unprecedented fourth three-peat.
Contrary to media reports, Phil Jackson's health, not money, will be the main factor determining whether or not he will return next year. The Lakers organization has already engaged in informal contract negotiations with Coach Jackson, and both sides seem willing to compromise on an appropriate salary.
Second, the Lakers organization have also expressed a strong interest in retaining the services of unrestricted free agent point guard Derek Fisher. Derek Fisher is credited for making some timely three-pointers in this past season's playoff run, including the fourth quarter shot in Game Seven of the NBA Finals which tied the game at 64-64. The Celtics would never gain the lead again.
Fisher's veteran presence and locker room leadership are seen as a key component of maintaining the Lakers' success heading into next season. The Lakers are exploring either signing Fisher to a $2 million, one-year contract or a two-year deal at the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million per year.
Speaking of guards, the Lakers are waiting to see how the contract situations of backup guards Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown play out in the offseason. Shannon Brown has a $2.2 million player option for the 2010-2011 season while Jordan Farmar will likely be extended the $2.8 million qualifying offer.
Should Shannon Brown opt out of his current contract and sign with another team...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
