EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - The Zen Master is done coaching the Los Angeles Lakers (news) and his two biggest stars could be leaving the team, too. Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, won't return as coach of the Lakers. Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant looked as if they could be playing elsewhere next season.
A team source told the AP on condition of anonymity that O'Neal had requested a trade. And as expected Bryant became an unrestricted free agent, opting out of his contract.
Jackson, who won three straight championships with the team, agreed with Lakers owner Jerry Buss to end his tenure as coach, the team said in a statement.
Buss offered Jackson another position with the organization, which Jackson will decide whether to accept in the near future, the team said.
"The experience of the past five years has been great," Jackson said. "Three rings and a fourth opportunity makes this a bittersweet ending, but it's time to pause and reflect. I'm appreciative of all the Lakers, the organization, the fans and Dr. Buss."
Jackson's departure was expected even before he met with Buss following the coach's participation in season-ending interviews with several players earlier in the day.
Jackson's five-year, $30 million contract expires at the end of the month. He was discussing a contract extension, but the Lakers broke off talks in February until after the season.
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no suprizes there
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