Jackson returns to Lakers relaxed

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Don't be fooled by Phil Jackson's tan and relaxed demeanor. He's still upset about missing out on another NBA title last summer.

"There's still a little angst and anger there," the Los Angeles Lakers' coach told reporters Friday at the team's practice facility.

The Lakers lost the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics in six games in June, costing the Hall of Fame coach a chance at his league-record 10th coaching title.

Jackson appeared tanned, rested and relaxed as he spoke with reporters about his summer of boating, swimming and spending time with his grandchildren. He also spoke of possible changes that could help Los Angeles win another title.

Although the Lakers have the core of their rotation back from last season, Jackson said he's not content with the status quo. Above all, he's eager to see how well Andrew Bynom mixes with fellow 7-footer Pau Gasol.

Bynum was in the midst of a breakout season when he suffered a partially dislocated left kneecap Jan. 13 and did not play again in 2007-08. The Lakers acquired Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 1, and he and league MVP Kobe Bryant led them to the finals.

Jackson wants to play Bynum at center, with Gasol moving to power forward and Lamar Odom shifting from power forward to small forward. There's also a chance that Jackson will start Trevor Ariza and use Odom as a sixth man.

"To adjust the two of them on the floor at the same time and Lamar at a wing spot is going to be our goal this year at training camp, to figure out how to do that," Jackson said. "Pau has a role to play on the floor with Andrew. He's got to face the basket a little bit more. So, yeah, we have some adjustments to make."

Jackson agreed that the Lakers lacked the necessary physical presence to compete with the Celtics in the finals. However, he said Bynum's return to form will solve some of the Lakers' lack of muscle around the basket.

"We know we weren't a muscular, physical team, but we were able to get to where we did by finesse and speed," Jackson said. "I was always impressed by our ability to be as resilient as we were."

Jackson said he did not disagree with Bryant's decision to delay surgery on his right pinkie until after the season. Bryant was injured Feb. 5, and played the rest of the season as well as in the Olympics with damaged ligaments.

The Lakers begin training camp Tuesday. They open the regular season Oct. 28 against the Portland Trail Blazers.