Lakers coach Phil Jackson says he came back this season partly out of a feeling of obligation to some of his players, such as Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, but he is still set on retiring after this season.

Jackson said he meant it when he told Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak last July, "I don't think I'm going to come back. You'd better plan on something besides this."

But with the specter of a labor stoppage looming and so many in the Lakers' family yearning for his help in securing another NBA championship before that happens, Jackson relented.

He said he's particularly appreciated the unique personalities of his players on this last journey. "Ron (Artest) seems to be having the most fun, and Lamar (Odom)'s real close behind."