WWW- Did Phil Jackson's forthcoming book seal his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers?One Left Coast source told me, a day before his ouster: "People out here are wondering whether Jackson will even be able to work with the Lakers after the book comes out. It's harsh. And he slams Kobe Bryant."
Yesterday's announcement that Jackson will be leaving the Lakers coaching spot makes this a moot point.
But the Penguin Press book - on leadership - could add to the problems of Bryant, whose trial date for a Colorado rape charge has not yet been set.
Sparring between Jackson and Bryant has been heating up the sports pages for months.
Jackson, a former Knick, has captured nine championships at the helm of the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. But the Detroit Pistons denied him a 10th NBA title on Tuesday. His team included hoop greats Shaquille O'Neal and Karl Malone.
"They were really trying to keep this quiet during the playoffs," says the snitch. "It would have been terrible for team morale."
Jackson's still-untitled book is expected in the fall. Neither Penguin Press nor Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger, would comment.
