Jackson Returning to Lakers
What's next for Jeanie and Phil?

Phil Jackson, who guided the Lakers to four Finals appearances in five seasons but was cast adrift last June, will be reintroduced as coach of the team this afternoon at a 2 p.m. news conference at Staples Center.

Jackson replaces Frank Hamblen, who went 10-29 after taking over last February in the wake of Rudy Tomjanovich's abrupt resignation. Hamblen, Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw are likely candidates for Jackson's staff, and triangle-offense guru Tex Winter will probably be brought in as a consultant.

Ending an unpredictable if not bizarre courtship that began nearly two months ago, Jackson, 59, takes over a team that went 34-48 last season, finished behind the bottom-feeding Clippers in the standings and struggled to fill seats at home games down the stretch. Sources said he has agreed to a multi-year contract.

Making an appearance will probably be Jackson's longtime girlfriend and Buss' daughter, Jeanie (pictured right and below), the Lakers' executive vice president of business operations. Asked if he was looking forward to meeting with his boss, Jackson smiled and replied: "Oh, yeah".

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