Jackson’s back

After further review, Phil Jackson will be back. A week after saying he was “leaning toward retiring,” the Los Angeles Lakers coach said he would return for his 11th season with the franchise. “Count me in,” Jackson said Thursday. “After a couple of weeks of deliberation, it is time to get back to the challenge of putting together a team that can defend its title in the 2010-11 season. It’ll be the last stand for me, and I hope a grand one.” Jackson, who will be 65 in September, retreated to his Montana summer home, cleared his mind and reached his decision with the help of some favorable medical news. Among other things, his knee will not need to be replaced, which Jackson was relieved to hear.

– Associated Press