By Mike Bresnahan
Los Angeles Times
December 10, 2010
There's not exactly a farewell tour with gifts and remembrances at arenas throughout the country, but Coach Phil Jackson will presumably make his last trip to several cities as the Lakers advance deeper and deeper into the season.
When he decided to coach this season, Jackson said it would mark his "last stand" on the bench. Friday night marks the Lakers' only regular-season game in Chicago.
Jackson, 65, coached the Bulls to six championships--three while they played at Chicago Stadium, three while they played at United Center.
As he sat on the scorer's table after the Lakers' Friday afternoon shoot-around, Jackson said Friday night was "definitely the last time" he would coach a game at United Center.
Then he backtracked ever so slightly, perhaps in case the Lakers and Bulls face off in the NBA Finals.
"I really don't spend a lot of time thinking about it, but yes, I anticipate this will be the last time I coach in this building," he said.
Jackson said he wouldn't feel much emotion when he walked off the court after the game.
"I doubt it. I'm not a very emotional guy," he said. The he gestured to the numerous Bulls banners near the United Center ceiling, including a large one with his name on it.
"I always look up there, though, to make sure they haven't changed it and put it somewhere where they've hidden it," he said.
