The far reaches of a Canadian earthquake weren't the only tremors that rattled their way to Cleveland Wednesday.
UPDATED: 9:11 p.m.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The far reaches of a Canadian earthquake weren't the only tremors that rattled their way to Cleveland Wednesday.
In his season-ending interview with Los Angeles media, Lakers coach Phil Jackson surprised many by saying that he was "leaning toward retiring" after winning his 11th NBA title last week.
Though Jackson needed to be checked out by doctors and get clearance, it was generally assumed that he'd want to return for at least one more season and attempt a historic fourth three-peat, even though his contract was up.
Jackson said that he hadn't totally made up his mind, but his words will directly affect the Cavaliers' coaching search.
While the team has a handful of candidates they're still considering, Byron Scott is the clear front-runner. Because of his history of working with stars and numerous appearances in the Finals as a player and coach, Scott is believed to be the team's preference. It is well known that he has dreamed of being the Lakers coach for more than a decade.
Now Scott could be just be days away from taking over for Jackson. The Cavs, even if they've made an aggressive offer, are likely going to have to wait and see how it plays out.
Scott has a strong relationship with Kobe Bryant, dating to when they teammates in Bryant's rookie season and Scott's final season in 1996-97. Scott also enjoys a long and deep relationship with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and part owner and former teammate Magic Johnson.
Those relationships, his Lakers' title rings and his offensive style that may return the Lakers to their uptempo "Showtime" ways could give Scott the edge over Jackson's preferred successor, who is believed to be current assistant Brian Shaw.
It seems unlikely that Scott, who makes his off-season home in Los Angeles, would make any decision about his future until the Lakers' job is settled. Jackson said that he'd come to a decision next week.
Jackson, who is 64, was bothered by kidney stones and a sore knee this season. For months there have been reports that Buss wants Jackson to take a large cut from the $12 million he earned in the last year of his contract. But Jackson said Wednesday that his decision will be more about health than money.
"Some of it's about health," Jackson said.
"That's the way I feel right now. I've had vacillating feelings about it. I have to sit on it and do the right thing for myself. I wouldn't say that I'm 95 percent or 50 percent sure. This is what I feel right now. It's certainly not about money. It's not the issue."