Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson agreed Thursday to a two-year, $24-million US contract extension.

Jackson, 62, is committed to the Lakers through the 2009-10 NBA campaign.

Phil Jackson talks to reporters Thursday about the extension.
(M. J. Terrill/Associated Press)

Asked if he would keep coaching after that, Jackson responded: "I was in my 50's in the last era, I'm in my 60's in this era, and maybe I can go on into my 70's. But I really don't think so.

"I'm losing a step as I go — mentally and physically. Being abreast of all these kids is not an easy task.

"I can hardly speak their language. But I'm trying."

Asked if he was confirming it was his final contract with the Lakers, Jackson laughed: "No, I'm not."

"The decision to return as coach and the decision to be asked to return as coach, both had very little to do with Kobe Bryant and very little to do with the talent here," he said. "It's about the proximity that I feel to this organization, the comfort I feel working for this organization and the progress I think we're making."

"Everyone connected with Phil is pleased with his decision," said Todd Musberger, Jackson's agent.

"Obviously, he is up for it. There is a spring in his step."

Jackson initially signed a five-year, $30-million US contract with the Lakers in June 1999, and led them to three NBA titles.

He returned to the finals with the Lakers in 2004, but lost in five games to the Detroit Pistons.

Two hip replacements

Jackson took a year off, and re-signed with the Lakers for three years and $30 million US — the richest deal for a head coach in league history — on June 14, 2005.

Since then, he has undergone two hip replacements and, as recently as training camp, required a cane to stroll the sidelines.  

"This offer was extended to me last year, and I promised [Lakers owner] Dr. Buss that I would let them know before the end of the season whether I would continue on," Jackson said. "But obviously, due to the health situation, that went on this summer, it delayed this decision until this particular time."

"Even simple tasks like putting on shoes and socks were very difficult," Jackson continued. "So I kind of asked them to just be patient.

"Training camp wasn't easy. But after a couple of road trips, I felt comfortable to make that decision."

Jackson is 928-399 as an NBA head coach, including a 383-206 mark with Los Angeles.

More importantly, he shares the league record of nine championships with the late Red Auerbach, winning six with the Chicago Bulls and three with the Lakers.

"I have had tremendous success and, ultimately, some great highs in this game," Jackson said. "But the ultimate thing is this team coming back into prominence in this game.

"We want this team to get back that consistency of a team that can win on a consistent basis."

With files from the Associated Press