Phil Jackson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011
Phil Jackson’s second run with the Lakers ended after a second-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
During that series, Jackson revealed to the team that had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register.
Jackson details his bout with cancer in his upcoming book, “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success.â€
The cancer was treated initially with medication and later by surgery.
After firing Mike Brown in November, the Lakers flirted with Jackson before hiring Coach Mike D’Antoni.
Jackson is believed to be looking to rejoin the NBA, although he may prefer an executive position over the sidelines.
The Lakers have indicated to The Times that they intend to bring D’Antoni back next season.
If it were up to the fans, Jackson would be hired in D’Antoni’s place. One of the lasting images from the Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Spurs at Staples Center was the crowd chanting, “We want Phil.â€
Jackson had been linked to Seattle but the league’s Relocation Committee unanimously recommended that the NBA Board of Governors keep the Kings franchise in Sacramento.
The former coach is also engaged to Lakers executive Jeanie Buss.
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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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