Lakers get their Phil — again

El Segundo, CA (Basketball News) - The Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as their new head coach. Jackson returns to the club that he guided to NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

The club has scheduled a Tuesday press conference for 5 p.m. (et).

The 59-year-old Jackson has 14 seasons of head coaching experience in the NBA and has compiled an 832-316 record for a .725 winning percentage — best in league history. His 175 playoff wins are the most ever, and his .717 postseason winning percentage is also the best of any coach.

Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to six titles (1991-93 and 1996-98). He then took over the Lakers for the 1999-2000 campaign and spent five years with the club, posting a 287-123 regular-season mark.

Following the 2003-04 campaign in which Los Angeles lost in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons, Jackson and the Lakers mutually agreed to part ways. Meanwhile, Shaquille O’Neal demanded a trade and Kobe Bryant opted out of his contract to become a free agent on the same day.

O’Neal was eventually traded to Miami on July 14, 2004, while Bryant remained with the club. It’s no secret that Bryant and Jackson have had their share of issues in the past, but hopefully the two can iron out these differences.

Rudy Tomjanovich succeeded Jackson, becoming the 20th coach in franchise history. Tomjanovich signed a five-year deal worth a reported $30 million, but was forced to resign midway through the season because of health concerns.

Assistant Frank Hamblen then took over the coaching duties on an interim basis. The Lakers finished the 2004-05 season with a 34-48 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 1994.

Jackson is currently dating Jeanie Buss, the daughter of Lakers owner Jerry Buss.