AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) – Phil Jackson stood at the podium in the interview room with four of his five grown children and said there was a “pretty slim chance” he’ll coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season.

Then he said it again.

“I’ve had a lot of persuasion given to me by these kids. They were hoping I could win the 10th and retire, but maybe losing this one, this opportunity is enough for me to say that it’s time to give it up,” he said. “But right now I’m not ready to make that decision or give that statement.”

So while Jackson wouldn’t commit, it certainly appeared to be a farewell – at least for the time being – from a 58-year-old coach whose perfect record in the finals was spoiled by the Detroit Pistons. Jackson said he planned to meet with members of the Lakers’ organization in the days ahead. Question No. 1 will be whether the franchise still believes Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant can coexist. Bryant plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent, although he has said he wants to be “a Laker for life.” Not only will Bryant be a free agent, but Gary Payton and Karl Malone also can opt out of their contracts. O’Neal – already angry that the Lakers wouldn’t give him a contract extension – could demand a trade if he decides the time has come to end his association with the team.

“This summer is going to be a different summer for a lot of people. Everyone is going to take care of their own business and do what’s best for them, including me,” O’Neal said. “I’m not sure really where the organization wants to go from here.”

Phoenix, Denver, Utah, Atlanta , San Antonio and the LA Clippers are among the teams with salary cap space, and each would jump at the opportunity to sign a player of Bryant’s caliber.

“I loved playing for Phil. I learned so much playing for Phil and playing with Shaquille, too,” Bryant said.

Malone, 40, also has some soul-searching to do.

“I’ve never been a guy who wanted to jump from team to team to team, but I will say this: If I meet with my doctor in the next couple of days and I can’t be 100 percent by training camp – not 95, not 99 – then I’ll make that decision,” Malone said.