Mike Bresnahan, LA Times

Then there’s that other award that might drop into the Lakers’ laps.

Phil Jackson has won nine championships as a coach, tied with Red Auerbach for most in NBA history, but has been selected coach of the year only once in his 17-year career.

In the same way that Kobe Bryant gets mentioned as one of the front-runners for league most valuable player, Jackson also faces the possibility of being recognized.

The Lakers (43-18) have overcome blase expectations to rise above the Western Conference, although Jackson didn’t seem to want to address his chances of winning a coaching award.

“I think the best interview usually gets coach of the year,” he said wryly. “Usually it’s a team that’s a surprise team. Favorites aren’t usually given coach of the year.”

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