Lakers speak to Phil Jackson about return

Phil Jackson can return to Los Angeles if he wants the job. AP Photo

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have spoken to 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson about returning for a third stint on their bench.

The Lakers confirmed the discussions with Jackson on Saturday on their website.

Los Angeles fired coach Mike Brown on Friday after a 1-4 start to a season of enormous expectations. Interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff led the Lakers to a blowout win over Golden State a few hours after Brown was dismissed early in his second season.

Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard both said they would be eager to play for Jackson, who walked away from the Lakers into retirement in 2011.

Jackson will meet again with the Lakers’ brass next week. The Lakers announced Bickerstaff will coach the club in a home game against Sacramento on Sunday night.