Eventually, Phil Jackson has come to understand the inevitable truth: The Lakers are never trading Kobe Bryant.

So yes, this made it easier to nod at the two year, $24 million extension that's been waiting on him. Yes, Andrew Bynum is threatening to fulfill his promise, but Bryant allows Jackson to stay in the fray. No, he isn't passing Red Auerbach for a 10th championship, but Jackson never insisted that championship contention was necessary to stay coaching these Lakers.

Before leaving for training camp, Jackson said, "If we're not going to challenge, I don't want to be a guy that's coaching this team on the kind of salary I'm getting."

For the Lakers, there is an immense relief. As long as Bryant stays, he must have Jackson as his coach. Who else can command Kobe's respect? Who else can buffer Bryant and the Busses? What's more, he's a star for Hollywood. Jack Nicholson can't look down the sideline and see, say, Sam Vincent.

No one should kid themselves, though. Jackson was searching for reasons to stay, not go. Even with his hip replacement, he still loves the rhythms of NBA life. Most of all, he is the highest paid coach in pro sports at $10 million a season. Now, he gets a raise to $12 million. No one walks out on that.

Maybe Bryant goes in 2009 as a free agent, and, contract or not, rest assured Jackson walks out the door with him. For months, turmoil had taken over these Lakers, but no more. The demise of the Bulls costs them Bryant as a championship-fit destination. Bynum, the 7-footer, is beginning to realize his potential. There are young players, Jordan Farmar and Luke Walton, growing into reputable pros.

The Lakers are legitimized again. This doesn't make them championship contenders, but once again, it makes them worthy of the game's best coach. Phil Jackson wants to coach here, and Los Angeles takes a long sigh. The star stays on the sidelines.