CNNSI's Marty Burns reports that Phil Jackson floated Michael Jordan the idea of playing for the Lakers, albeit jokingly.

"We just threw out a flier to him, basically, as a kidding gesture," Jackson revealed Saturday, the day after the now-Wizard Jordan went for 44 points in a loss to the Jazz. "You know, 'It would great to have you; we could really use you. You wouldn't have to play 35 or 40 minutes. You could play 28 minutes and pick up a title.'"

Burns reports that Jackson made the offer to Jordan during the summer. But Jackson said he believed Jordan's stake in the Wizards precluded the possibility of him playing for another team, among other factors.

In any event, can you imagine a Jordan/Bryant backcourt? With Shaq in the middle? Consider that enough talent to put Chicago's 72-win record in jeopardy. But also consider it combustable enough to cause a Laker tailspin.