Lakers to unveil statue of legendary coach Phil Jackson next year

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Phil Jackson outside their downtown arena next year. The Lakers announced the plan Tuesday to honour Jackson, who led the Lakers to five championships and seven NBA Finals appearances during two stints totalling 11 seasons as their head coach. The statue will be unveiled April 9 before the Lakers’ home game against Minnesota. After his famed tenure leading Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls to six championships, Jackson joined the Lakers in 1999 and immediately began another era of major success for the 17-time NBA champion franchise. His first three teams…