EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - The Zen Master is done coaching the Los Angeles Lakers 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.
The Associated Press reported that O'Neal had requested a trade. And as expected Bryant became an unrestricted free agent, opting out of his contract. But he might be more willing to remain a Laker with the departure of Jackson, with whom he had disagreements.
Jackson, who won three straight championships with the team, agreed with owner Jerry Buss on Friday 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."
REPORTS SAY McGRADY WANTS OUT: Tracy McGrady has reportedly told the Magic that he wants out of Orlando.
McGrady informed the team of his decision in a meeting, the Orlando Sentinel and Florida Today newspapers reported on their Web sites.
Magic spokesman Joel Glass declined comment. McGrady didn't answer phone calls, and someone who answered the intercom at his gated home said he wasn't there Friday night. His agent, Arn Tellem, didn't return a call from the Associated Press.
SLOAN'S WIFE DIES: Bobbye Sloan, the wife of Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, died from cancer, the team said. She was 61.
