Imagine Jim Cleamons coaching the Lakers against the Mavericks.

It almost certainly can't happen before Don Nelson retreats to the front office, to arch the eyebrows even higher, but it's not the long-shot scenario you might suspect. Phil Jackson has three seasons left on his contract, only two rings to go to pass Red Auerbach for the all-time lead among coaches and an aching hip, back and knee.

Jackson, 56, also admits he'd enjoy seeing Cleamons as his successor.
"If he'd like to," Jackson said. "I don't know if he wants this or not ... but, yes, there's an opportunity that sits out there at some level."