Phil Jackson spoke with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in his virtual tour of cities and teams that want him to be their coach for the 2005-06 season and beyond.

"We had contact with Phil Jackson and are exploring all highly successful head coaches who are in a position to speak with us," Cavaliers vice president of communications Tad Carper said.

Jackson's agent, Chicago-based Todd Musburger, also confirmed the call.

"It was a lengthy and thorough conversation," he said. "It was very detailed.

"Phil will be taking the time he needs to make a decision. He will go through this entire process. It is a very important decision. He'll take the time he needs."

Musburger said Jackson isn't necessarily leaning toward returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. Jackson led the Lakers to three NBA championships in his five seasons in Los Angeles. He left after the 2003-04 season and took a year off from coaching.

Cleveland may be a good fit for Jackson.  The team holds one of the best young talents the league has seen in a long time in LeBron James and perhaps Mr. James could be Jackson?s next Jordon.