Last season for Jackson

Phil Jackson told ESPN's Hannah Storm earlier this week that this would be his last season as the Lakers head coach and Thursday that's what he said again.

"Well, I've had a couple retirements in the process," Jackson told the media, including ESPNLosAngeles.com. "In the 1998-99 season and also the 2004-05 sabbatical, which was quite enjoyable. And last year, I didn't have a contract at the end of the year so, there was those things that have gone on that have contributed to the fact that it's the last year, but, maybe. ... This year, there's no maybe."

The Lakers are hoping to win another title and Kobe Bryant said Jackson's pending departure will help motivate the team for the rest of the season.

"Yes [it's motivating], for me especially because we've been together for so long I want to make sure I do everything in my power to send him off in the right way," Bryant said.