Jackson Likes Jordan’s Chances

INDIANAPOLIS —  Coach Phil Jackson said that he enthusiastically supports Michael Jordan’s reported deal to become a top executive and potential part-owner of the Washington Wizards.

“I think Michael’s competitiveness, what he likes to do . . . grew up with basketball . . . the association between the NBA and Michael Jordan . . . all those things I think make it great for him,” Jackson said before Friday’s game.

Jordan, who won six championships with Jackson on the Chicago Bulls, mentioned the potential Wizard deal during his recent visit to L.A., Jackson said.

“On Monday when he was in, we talked a little bit about that,” Jackson said. “And I encouraged him to do this. I think he’s going to enjoy it and it’s going to be tough and it’s going to be intriguing and it’s going to be something that grabs a hold of him because he’s so competitive.”

Despite the Wizards’ over-the-salary-cap and under-talented roster situation, Jackson said Jordan eventually will turn things around.

“You know, he’s been associated with so many things that have been successful that it’s hard not to feel like he’s going to be part of something successful there,” Jackson said. “I’m sure for the players there, it’s a good feeling. . . .

“It’ll take some time. He’ll make mistakes like any other business and learn from it and he’ll do well. . . . He’s got an eye for the kind of thing he wants to have done, he’s had good coaching from college and Dean Smith and good organization from the Bulls.”

Interestingly, Jackson said that Jordan still intends to practice with the Lakers when and if the team’s new practice site is completed.

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Shaquille O’Neal said he is enjoying a book written by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who, coincidentally, coined the phrase, “that which does not kill you, makes you stronger.”

The Nietzsche book was given to O’Neal by, of course, Jackson, who has distributed books to each of his players recently.

“It’s a hard book to read, so I’m going through it slowly, looking up words,” O’Neal said. “I want to completely analyze it and memorize it and then I’ll get back to you.”

TONIGHT

at Minnesota

5, Channel 9

* Site--Target Center, Minneapolis.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 31-6, Timberwolves 18-15.

* Record vs. Timberwolves--1-0.

* Update--The last time the Lakers faced Minnesota, the Timberwolves were in the middle of a devastating December swoon. But recently, Minnesota has gotten sharp play out of point guard Terrell Brandon and snapped back with an 11-2 record, second-best over that span to only the Lakers.