Pip looked upon to Phil in the Championship Formula

Chicago Sun Times: Scottie Pippen said Friday he hasn’t made a decision on whether to join Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson as an assistant, but Pippen said more discussions will take place toward finalizing a contract.

Then again, Pippen has a way of changing his mind.

”Maybe I should wait until after the lockout and then try to negotiate for more money,” Pippen joked. ”But seriously, I feel honored that Phil wants me to be a member of his coaching team.

”I haven’t given him my final answer yet. But it’s safe to say that I may be joining the Lakers. We will talk some more and iron out the details [of a contract] and what my role would be.”

”Last year, I said that I would not want to coach. And I actually would prefer to be working in a front office helping to manage a team,” Pippen said. “But after being away from the game a year, I really, really miss it, and there is only so much satisfaction I can get out of working as a commentator or expert analyst on a broadcast team. I want to be where the action is.

”I was shocked that Phil decided to go back to the Lakers. I thought he’d go to a team that would give him a better chance to win now. But you know Phil. He’s more likely to do the unexpected. That’s why I was also shocked when he offered me the job. I have talked to him and shared my thoughts and feelings over the year, and I appreciate the fact he sees coaching potential in me.

”I plan to meet with him next week, and I should know my final decision.”

Pip’s arrival to LaLa Land is imminent! What do you guys think about Pip joining the Purple and Gold? Can he successfully make Odom into the championship player he once was? Will Phil’s vision of a Laker version of a MJ-Pip tandem come out successful? Sound Off in the CL.com Forums!