Phil Jackson?s longtime assistant and friend Tex Winter recently stated that the chances of the Zen Master returning to coach the Los Angeles Lakers is "a little better than 50-50."

Winter also believes that if Jackson doesn?t go to L.A. he will most likely end up in New York.

"[Jackson] has his home in L.A. relationship with [Lakers VP] Jeanie Buss, the Lakers would be where he'd like to stay," Winter told The Post from his Oregon home. "But it takes two to tango. He has to feel confident [owner] Jerry Buss, management and [GM] Mitch Kupchak want him back."