Article by: Rumer Certeza
Photo: Zumapress
 

Lakers bags its 16th title, Kobe comes home wth another finals MVP, and Phil Jackson ties the NBA's winningest coach with number 11. So now its over, what's in store for the future?

For both Lakers and the Celtics, quite a lot.

New Celtics leadership: There's been talk all season that coach Doc Rivers may actually pack his bags, especially with the outcome of this year's finals. But Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is also being eyed by none other than former team Phoenix Suns to fill in its current administration.

The Suns GM Steve Kerr, and his lead assistant David Griffin, have announced their decision this week to leave the camp, with team owner Robert Sarver looking for a potential replacement, and Danny Ainge is expected to top his list. Ainge suited up for the Phoenix camp, then assumed the coaching role for 3 seasons through 1999, piling up victories with up-tempo play. In fact, Ainge is one of the top GMs in the league with a knack of sniffing up talent in the draft, plus fearlessly making the big trades. So lets see what Sarver has up his sleeve, if he really wants Ainge that badly.

Going back to Rivers, despite rumors of a farewell, the coach insisted that winning or losing the championship would not affect his future decision. Says Rivers, "My issues will be the family. And my other issue will be this family. Because I have got a tremendous family here. I've got players who are amazingly loyal to me, and I'm loyal to them." Crystal clear, Doc.

Yup, it would cetainly be heartwrecking for both Garnett and Pierce who has pleaded for the coach to reprise his role come next year.

It was evident after the game 7 loss that Rivers tried his darnest to hold back those tears during a press conference. According to sources, he may take a rain check in taking flight, but if he does, Kevin Mchale would possibly fill in his shoes.

On Phil Jackson: This one isn't so hard. After bagging his 11th ring, the legendary Lakers coach confirmed Thursday that the Lakers second title in two years "improves his chances" of returning to coach his boys next season. And finals MVP Kobe Bryant made it clear to Michael Jordan's former mentor that he wants him to return.

And Jackson obviously did a superb job in bringing out the best in bulky forward Ron Artest, who prior to impressive performances in games 6 and 7 of the Finals, wasn't so fortunate with other teams. Most of his players happen to be in their peak, notably Kobe and Dereck Fisher. The only known reason that Jackson would throw in the towel is his health, and plans to undergo a series of medical tests soon.

On Kobe Bryant: considered the league's best player right now, Kobe plans to excuse himself from USA basketball and the FIBA World Championship this summer to nurse his swollen knee and broken right index finger. He hopes to be in full recovery next season.

On Dereck Fisher: The 35-year old veteran guard is a free agent who should be retained, badly. He was one of the key ingredients to the Lakers triumph, like his massive three that tied game 7 midway through the fourth quarter. He knows when to call the shots for his teammates, and when to bring in the needed goods. Letting him go would mean nothing short of a disaster.

On Ray Allen: Allen, who turns 35 next season is also a free agent. He was by far Boston's reliable go-to-guy among the big 3 and Rivers has been goin all out to have the Celtics reacquire his services. Allen's explosive potential, especially from the three point line is irreplaceable.

Other players are currently under contract, Pierce, Garnett, Rondo, Perkins, Davis and Wallace.

Rasheed Wallace: The 36-year-old was considering retirement, according to Doc Rivers. He still has a remaining two years and $13.1 million on his contract and would be open to a buyout. He was in poor condition throughout the season before regaining his form in the playoffs, and contributing well off the bench.

Wallace also has a good relationship with Rivers because he plans to coach someday, and he would start off with no level above high school if possible.

Lakers, stay solid if you can, please. Oops. Did I just give myself away?