Word is spreading that former Lakers executive Jerry West wants to run an NBA team again, but before Jerry Krause's detractors start getting ideas, the Bulls operations chief said he has a renewed vigor for his job.

If Krause had been thinking of stepping down after four of the worst seasons in NBA history, the play of rookies Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry and Trenton Hassell has encouraged him to stick around.

''It's been a long, hard year for me because of the injuries and the situation with Tim [Floyd],'' Krause said. ''It was so darn hard. I'd wake up at night with another phone call. Who's hurt now? What's going on now?

''I felt good when the season started, and then everything hit the fan. But I feel good being around these kids. It has rejuvenated me in some ways.''

Krause said he wants to stay until the Bulls are winning again.

''I haven't thought about leaving,'' he said. ''I don't think about those kinds of things. My timetable hasn't come yet. I want to win again so bad, I can taste it. It's not going to take as long as people think.''

Krause, 62, is in his 17th season as Bulls operations chief. He's facing another important summer as the Bulls figure to land another high lottery draft pick.