FSR Sports Byte: Phil Jackson / LA Lakers
 

Saturday, July 3rd, 2009

LOS ANGELES -  Wonderful news for Lakers fans! Phil Jackson isn't giving up his position as the LA Lakers head coach just yet. He has agreed to sign on for another year and will stay in the top coaching spot for the Lakers through the 2009-2010 season.

There have been some concerns about the coach's health. In June, when appearing on Waddle & Silvy – ESPN Chicago, Jackson revealed that he was not certain if he would be back for another season and a run at an amazing 11th NBA title. Jackson said "I have some medical issues that I have to resolve.”

Over the last several years, the now 63-year old, Jackson has undergone hip replacement surgery and, in 2003, he missed his first playoff game in over a decade when he underwent emergency angioplasty to unclog an artery in his heart.

Just this past season he was plagued by plantar fasciitis which can cause sharp pain and swelling in the feet and can be aggravated by sitting for long periods at a time, such as airplane flights. (Not good with the amount of traveling the team does throughout the season.)

In the June ESPN interview, Jackson did go on to say that he would like to ”push on through another year if possible.” and that he had to take a couple of weeks to resolve his medical issues before he could recommit.

Today, according to the Lakers' website at nba.com, Jackson announced ”After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason. All things point to go!”

Books by Phil Jackson:

Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior

The Last Season: A Team in Search of Its Soul

More than a Game

The Gospel According to Phil: The Words and Wisdom of Chicago Bulls Coach Phil Jackson : An Unauthorized Collection

Maverick: More Than a Game

Fifty Years of Cheers & Jeers

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Subject: Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson, NBA, Sports News, Basketball

Source(s): Reuters, nba.com, blogs.usatoday.com, mayoclinic.com