Following Phil Jackson's successful surgery, his chances of coaching in 2007-2008 have increased.

"I look at him for the long haul and I, of course, hope that he's here longer than his current contract," Jeanie Buss said Friday.

"He has suffered for many years with a lot of pain, and my understanding is that the radiating pain he had in his leg is gone. I think that will make him do things based on his passion as opposed to not being able to coach because he's physically unable. He can now do it as long as he's interested in doing it."