NBA

The Lakers have spoken to 11-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson about returning for a third stint on their bench. The Lakers confirmed on their website Saturday that Jackson discussed the job with owner Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak. Los Angeles fired coach Mike Brown on Friday after a 1-4 start to a season of enormous expectations. Interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff led the Lakers to a blowout win over Golden State a few hours after Brown was dismissed in his second season. Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard both said they would be eager to play for Jackson, who walked away from the Lakers into retirement in 2011. “I can’t imagine this not working out,” a source told ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard. “Phil’s health is fine now. He likes this Lakers team.” Jackson will meet again with Lakers’ brass this week. Bickerstaff will coach the club in a home game against Sacramento on Sunday.