Despite the chaos surrounding the Lakers' recent free fall, time slowed down for a day and an eye turned toward the future when the Lakers began contract-extension negotiations this week with Coach Phil Jackson.

Jackson's three-year, $30-million contract has one more season remaining, but Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger, and Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak had breakfast Wednesday in Los Angeles to begin what is expected to be a lengthy but amiable process.

"We've made it clear we have an interest in extending Phil's contract," team spokesman John Black said.

"It's fair to say that by the mere fact we've set a time to get together again, it's an obvious inclination on both parties to further pursue the extension."