Offer might be Lakers’ next move

OC Register: Even though Phil Jackson is operating under the reasonable assumption that the Lakers’ job could be his again if he wants it, the club has not offered Jackson the job.

Which is the first step in getting a deal done - Jackson deciding he wants the job or the Lakers offering it to him - remains unclear, although reports are that Jackson is waiting for something firm to consider from Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.

No dealings are expected over the weekend, but negotiations could begin next week. Jackson and the Lakers already went through negotiations last year on a contract extension before Jackson wasn’t asked back in June 2004, so negotiations this time are not expected to take long.

A third option remains the potential next step: Lakers star Kobe Bryant hasn’t offered his support of Jackson’s return, and Jackson would still like to discuss a possible future with Bryant.

It’s possible, though, that Jackson and the Lakers could reach an agreement without Bryant being involved.

Even as other teams continue courting him, Jackson has locked in on the Lakers as his preferred team.

He enjoys living in Southern California and is still dating Lakers executive vice president Jeanie Buss.

But those close to Jackson indicate his motivation for preferring the Lakers includes ongoing dissatisfaction with losing the 2004 NBA Finals, not the way someone who has enjoyed his level of success would want to end a career.

Although the Lakers are in need of more retooling to reach championship level again, Jackson is not as opposed to taking some time to build as many believe.

Jackson is interested in disputing the widespread opinion that he only wants to coach ready-made talent.

Jackson has spoken to Kupchak about the current roster and believes the players underachieved last season - which to Jackson only makes the situation more desirable, as more potential is there to be tapped.