June 20, 2004 in Sports

Tomjanovich to talk to Lakers about vacancy

Associated Press
 

HOUSTON — Former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich has been contacted by the Los Angeles Lakers about replacing Phil Jackson as their coach, a Houston television station and newspaper reported Saturday.

Tomjanovich issued a statement confirming that he would look into the position, Houston television station KRIV and The Houston Chronicle reported.

“I have been contacted and I am interested in discussing things with the Lakers and hearing what they have to say,” Tomjanovich said in the statement.

Jackson decided not to return as Los Angeles coach on Friday, just days after the heavily favored Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals.

Jackson coached the Lakers to three championships in five seasons.

Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson told KRIV that Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak called him Friday to ask for permission to talk to Tomjanovich.

© Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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