Phil Jackson says Nuggets coach’s cancer battle on his mind as he decides on Lakers return

Phil Jackson: Karl’s illness to influence return

WHITEFISH, Mont. — Phil Jackson says seeing Denver Nuggets coach George Karl sidelined last season with throat cancer will influence his upcoming decision on whether to return as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jackson was the headline speaker Sunday at a meeting of Western governors in Whitefish, Mont. The legendary coach has a lakeside home near Glacier National Park.

Jackson told reporters after his speech that he’s waiting to hear from doctors on whether he’s healthy enough to make it through another 82-game regular season. He says he wouldn’t want to leave his squad without a coach in the middle of the season, as Karl was forced to do earlier this year.

The 64-year-old Jackson has two replaced hips, a sore knee requiring a brace under his suit during the season and a previous heart problem.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WHITEFISH, Mont. (AP) — Phil Jackson says seeing Denver Nuggets coach George Karl sidelined last season with throat cancer will influence his upcoming decision on whether to return as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jackson was the headline speaker Sunday at a meeting of Western governors in Whitefish, Mont. The legendary coach has a lakeside home near Glacier National Park.

Jackson told reporters after his speech that he’s waiting to hear from doctors on whether he’s healthy enough to make it through another 82-game regular season. He says he wouldn’t want to leave his squad without a coach in the middle of the season, as Karl was forced to do earlier this year.

The 65-year-old Jackson has two replaced hips, a sore knee requiring a brace under his suit during the season and a previous heart problem.

(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. corrects Jackson’s age to 64, sted 65)