Lakers Get Their Man Today in Phil Jackson

After not winning a championship since 1988, the Lakers have decided to get Bullish.

Phil Jackson, who coached the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in his last eight seasons with the team, reached an agreement in principle Tuesday to begin coaching the Lakers next season.

Jackson, who took this season off, will replace interim coach Kurt Rambis and is expected to be introduced during a news conference today, barring a last-minute snag in contract details.

The Lakers reportedly offered a five-year, $30-million deal to Jackson, 53, far more than the team has ever paid a coach, and far more than it was believed owner Jerry Buss would ever pay for any coach. Coverage, D1 and D4-5.