As we noted earlier today, if Phil Jackson does not return to the Lakers this season, ESPN's Chris Sheridan foresees a situation in which Kobe Bryant may leave the team as well, and perhaps head to the Bulls.
But if Phil Jackson doesn't return, where else could he land?
It's all purely speculative at this point, but Peter Vecsey of the New York Post throws out the Clippers as a possible destination. Jackson wouldn't have to reloacted out of the L.A. area.
And perhaps most interesting of all, Jackson could be the key to landing LeBron James. The Clippers have money to sign him, need a small foward, and would have a solid group of Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin around him.
Jackson has lead Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to championships; could he take the next great star and do it again?
It remains to be seen whether Jackson or James would want to go to a franchise as tortured as the Clippers -- especially with an owner in Donald Sterling who doesn't have a good reputation around the league -- but if the Lakers don't bring back Jackson, it's something to keep on the radar.