NBA Rumors: Lakers' Former Head Coach, Phil Jackson Returning To Los Angeles? "It's Never Important To Me"

After this season, New York Knicks president, Phil Jackson has the option to leave the Knicks with the opt-out clause in his contract. The latest rumors around the NBA suggest that Jackson will be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers next season as their executive.

However, in an interview with ESPN's Jackie MacMullan, Jackson states that it was "never important" for him to return to Los Angeles. He acknowledges that the Lakers are doing well with new head coach, Luke Walton along with associate head coach, Brian Shaw. He continues to say that the Lakers have a core group that is capable of getting things done.

The great Jackie Mac asks Phil Jackson about rumblings that he’ll return to the Lakers: https://t.co/xezziBixwj pic.twitter.com/qWqREY1icd

— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) November 14, 2016

According to a report by ESPN, the speculations about a reunion for Jackson with the Lakers is inflamed by his relationship with the Lakers' executive, Jeanie Buss who is Jackson's fiancée. Furthermore, he has a notable history with the Lakers having won five championships in 11 seasons as the Lakers' head coach. It is also likely that the Lakers' presidency will be vacant after the 2016-17 season.

The Lakers executive vice president of basketball operations, Jim Buss has earlier expressed his desire to step down if the Lakers do not make a deep run in the postseason. The Lakers are currently holding a 6-5 record and are unlikely to achieve a deep playoff run. Jackson has also told MacMullan that the purpose of the opt-out clause in his contract is for a possible lockout in 2017.

Jackson also stated that he has not thought about opting out of his contract at the end of the season. He carries on to say that he is looking to get the Knicks into a competitive position in the league again. Jackson also believes that they have made some progress in trying to achieve that goal, but acknowledges that they still have work to do.

The Knicks have a 4-6 season record at the moment after their 93-77 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. They have won a combined 50 games in the past two seasons.