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Phil Jackson getting reacquainted with Lakers

On Wednesday, Lakers Nation went nuts when photos surfaced of Phil Jackson at the team’s facility. While it was purely speculation, it made perfect sense for the “Phil returning to the Lakers” rumors to begin popping up in a flurry.

Well, let’s nip this in the bud. At this moment, it was likely just a friendly chat between Jackson, the longtime Lakers head coach who brought five titles to L.A., and Kurt Rambis, a senior basketball adviser for the Purple and Gold. Or, at least, that’s what it looked like based on the from-a-distance photo that made its way around the internet.

According to ESPN‘s Ohm Youngmisuk, Jackson was simply stopping by. Here’s some additional context on his first return to the Lakers facilities in over two years:

"“Jackson still has several ties to the organization. Lakers controlling owner and governor Jeanie Buss posted a photo of her having dinner with Jackson, Kurt Rambis and his wife, Linda, in Manhattan Beach in early November. Rambis rejoined the organization in September as a senior basketball adviser to president of basketball operations Magic Johnson. “Jackson is a regular guest at the Lakers offices and has ‘an open door’ to stop by any time he’s in Los Angeles, sources said. He still has close relationships with several Lakers staffers, including coach Luke Walton and G League coach Coby Karl.”"

Before you start getting any crazy ideas, let’s remember what Jackson last did in the NBA. He took over the New York Knicks, and ran the franchise into the ground. It’s great to reminisce about the old days when Jackson was leading the Lakers to championships, but that’s all in the past.

Whether or not you like Luke Walton, he’s the coach Los Angeles has. Accept it.