Phil Jackson is contractually obligated to conduct the Knicks’ coaching search this summer, and any scenario he can bolt for the Lakers after the season was branded as ridiculous by a person close to the Zen Master.
There has been speculation since last June Jackson’s opt-out is this summer. But the Knicks team president has no opt-out this summer, as has been reported. He doesn’t have one until next season, though the Knicks believe he may finish the five-year contract.
If Jackson tried to break his contract this summer, owner James Dolan would have to give him permission to rejoin his fiancée, Jeanie Buss, to help her run the Lakers, and Dolan would not.