Phil Jackson will inform the Lakers by Friday of his decision whether or not to return as coach. Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles:
Jackson informed Lakers spokesman John Black via e-mail late Tuesday that he intended to stick to his plan to inform the team of his decision by Friday.
Jackson spoke Wednesday in Whitefish, Montana, after delivering the keynote address at the Western Governors Association's 2010 conference. Per Matt Baldwin of the Whitefish Pilot:
Health concerns are holding Jackson back from returning to the Lakers, he said at the Whitefish press conference. He said he'd rather not put the team in a situation similar to what the Denver Nuggets and their coach George Karl went through this season. Karl missed a chunk of time while undergoing throat cancer treatments, and Denver was bounced in the first round of the playoffs.
Jackson has knee and hip problems, and previous heart concerns.
With Brian Shaw removing himself from consideration from the Cavaliers head coaching job Wednesday, he remains a candidate to replace Jackson should Jackson decide to retire.
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