Phil Jackson might have only one year left in his legendary coaching career, one season left to cast his influence over the Lakers. He is content to let his contract expire in the summer of 2004, re-evaluate his health and his motivation, and take it from there.

And the Lakers, grateful for all he's done, will be content to wait for his decision.

"We all want to win, and we know he's been an incredible savior for this organization in this decade," general manager Mitch Kupchak said Tuesday. "But we're also cognizant that nothing lasts forever, either. And at some point in time, he won't coach. And at some point in time, we won't win a championship. Things do have a beginning and have an end."

Re-energized after a procedure to clear a clogged artery, Jackson sounded upbeat Monday about fulfilling the fifth and final year of his contract. But he won't consider coaching beyond that until after next season, making him a voluntary lame duck for 2003-04.