Phil Jackson Thinks Kobe Bryant Won't Retire, But May be Last Season Playing For Lakers

Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant have maintained a close relationship, probably due to the fact that Jackson used to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, and won five NBA championships alongside Bryant with the Lakers. In light of this, Jackson noting that Bryant probably won't be retiring just yet, though it may be his last season playing for the Lakers, seems pretty plausible. 

Now, Jackson is also engaged to Jeanie Buss, who just happens to be the part owner and president of the LA Lakers.

According to CBS Sports, on Friday Jackson was speaking to reporters during the Knicks' media day. He mentioned that he doesn't believe that the 2015-2016 NBA season will be Bryant's last season. But he did insinuate that if Kobe does choose to play for another season or so, it probably won't be with the Lakers.

As reported by Sporting News, according to the Wall Street Journal's Chris Herring, Jackson said, "I don't think this is his last year. Might be his last year as a Laker."

Now, given the fact that Kobe is on the final year of his extended contract with the Lakers there does seem to be some room for enticement... Maybe this is Jackson's way of hinting that Kobe might just join the New York Knicks? Especially considering the rumors that have been spreading of the possibility of Kobe playing for the Knicks alongside Carmelo Anthony and maybe even Kevin Durant to create a super-team in New York. Guess Shaquille O'Neal isn't the only former Laker trying to convince Kobe otherwise.

But then again, Kobe is 37 years old, and has been pretty injury ridden during the past few seasons. So maybe Jackson's just messing with the media and trying to stimulate the Kobe coming to the Knicks rumor. Especially since Bryant did make claims of never playing for another team other than the Lakers, along with mentioning that he could possibly see himself playing in either Italy or China before officially ending his basketball career.

Seems like only time will tell what Kobe Bryant's future plans truly are.