Lakers coach says he may limit games

LOS ANGELES, June 23 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson talked in a radio interview Tuesday about limiting his number of games next season.

Jackson, who coached 10 NBA championship teams, turns 64 in September and spoke of health concerns in an ESPN Radio interview in Los Angeles as the sole reason behind any decision that would have the Hall of Fame coach unable to fulfill the final year of his current contract.

He spoke of having assistant Kurt Rambis take over head coaching duties for possibly all of the Lakers' road contests in 2009-10.

Jackson said that has been discussed internally among Lakers executives. He said he intends to have further conversations with General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Jackson agreed to a two-year contract extension in November 2007 but has had two hip replacement surgeries. He mentioned continued discomfort in his lower legs a reason to consider limiting his 19th year of coaching.