Basketball: Jackson to return to Lakers

Phil Jackson will return as LA Lakers coach next season, putting off retirement for at least one more year to pursue a 12th National Basketball Association title.

"Count me in," Jackson, 64, said yesterday. "After a couple weeks of deliberation, it is time to get back to the challenge of putting together a team that can defend its title in the 2010-11 season. It'll be the last stand for me, and I hope a grand one."

Jackson had said last week he was "leaning towards" retirement.