Phil will return

Phil Jackson will be back next season. Here’s the first few lines of a breaking story from our friends at Lakers.com:

“After receiving results of medical tests, Lakers head coach Phil Jackson has announced he will return to coach the team for the 2009-10 season. ‘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!,’ said Jackson.

“Jackson, who just completed his 9th season as head coach of the Lakers and 18th overall as an NBA head coach, concluded the 2008-09 season by leading the Lakers to the NBA championship. With his most recent title, Jackson won his 10th NBA championship, surpassing the late Red Auerbach for most in NBA history. In addition to his most recent title, Jackson won three consecutive championships in his first three seasons (2000-02) as head coach with the Lakers. The fastest coach to reach 1,000 career victories, Jackson’s total of 1,041 wins ranks 6th all-time. His .705 winning percentage ranks 1st in league history.”