New York Knicks president Phil Jackson's preference was to join the Lakers, but there was no role for him within the organization, nor was an offer of any kind ever extended, according girlfriend and L.A. front office exec Jeanie Buss.
"It was clear that Phil wanted to go back to work, but there was no role for him with the Lakers" said Buss, adding that she fully realizes Lakers fans are frustrated and angered that the organization would allow a coach who won five titles for the franchise to now severe all ties.
"It's been extremely frustrating. I understand why the fans are frustrated," said Buss.
The question now seems which storied franchise will prove able to turn the corner first. With the worse record in the Western Conference, the Lakers are suffering through one of the poorest seasons in franchise history and have no shot of making the playoffs.
Things aren't much better in NYC, where despite a recent six-game winning streak, the Knicks too find themselves on the outside looking in where the Eastern Conference playoff chase is concerned.
The 68-year-old and 11-time coaching champion was officially introduced as the new face of the Knicks during a Garden ceremony this week, where he admitted one of his first orders of business will be trying to convince high-scoring, free-agent-to-be forward Carmelo Anthony to stay with the organization.
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