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Scottie Pippen could be a permanent sideline-fixture in L.A. Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Scottie Pippen has already been contacted by Phil Jackson about joining the Lakers as an assistant coach, although Pippen is so far unsure if he wants to give up his retirement lifestyle.
-- Orange County Register

The Pippen coaching scenario is uncertain, but Jackson likely will put together a staff that includes former Lakers assistants Frank Hamblen, the recent interim head coach, and Kurt Rambis. Brian Shaw, who was an assistant for Hamblen late last season and a friend of Bryant's, is another strong candidate, and Jackson has asked triangle-offense guru Tex Winter to return as a consultant.
-- Orange County Register

Kobe Bryant's only words came out in a statement. It read: "When the Lakers began the search for a new head coach, I put my complete trust in Dr. Buss and Mitch Kupchak to select the person they thought was best for the Lakers organization. In Phil Jackson, they chose a proven winner. That is something I support." It was nice, but a smile and a handshake would have read better. Bryant had his chance to run this team. It didn't work. Owner Jerry Buss smartly stepped in, admitted his mistake, and handed the keys back to Jackson. Bryant was not consulted. Bryant was not given veto power. Bryant had no say, so now he must sit and listen. If he does, he'll understand that this is all good.
-- Los Angeles Times

Incumbent Knicks coach Herb Williams' chances of retaining his job now improve dramatically, pending the ability of Isiah Thomas to wrest Larry Brown away from Detroit or outbid Seattle for Nate McMillan, a free-agent coach on July 1. Other candidates such as P.J. Carlesimo, Bill Laimbeer and Flip Saunders now apparently languish in the long-shot bin.
-- Bergen Record

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said the team would choose its next head coach by the end of this week. But he declined to comment on speculation that Dwane Casey, top assistant coach of the SuperSonics, was the Wolves' preferred candidate. One rumor was that Casey already had been offered the job and was trying to decide on a staff of assistants.
-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

If the players have a say, the Timberwolves' new coach will Casey. Wolves VP Kevin McHale seems determined to hire Carlesimo.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Sonics president Wally Walker expressed a strong desire to retain McMillan. And McMillan apparently wants to return to the team where he has spent his entire NBA career, so it seems odd the sides haven't reached an agreement.
-- Seattle Times

Sonics general manager Rick Sund and guard Ray Allen have yet to reach agreements on contract extensions. On July 1, Allen will become an unrestricted free agent and Sund's four-year contract will expire.
-- Seattle Times

The Nets continue to audition prospects this week for the June 28 draft, when they pick 15th. Today, Hakim Warrick of Syracuse and Ike Diogu of Arizona State, a pair of 6-8 forwards, go.
-- New York Post

Mississippi State's Lawrence Roberts visited the Grizzlies for a second time, joining Sean May of the national champion North Carolina Tar Heels, Kansas's Wayne Simien and Badou Gaye of the USBL's Westchester Wildfire.
-- Memphis Commercial Appeal

Matt Walsh, the University of Florida junior made it official yesterday. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard announced that he would stay in the NBA draft. The 76ers are among the teams Walsh will work out for before the draft, scheduled for June 28.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

Look for the Timberwolves to work out former Boston College All-America point guard Troy Bell of Minneapolis on Friday at Target Center. Bell, 24, has worked out for the Knicks and Bulls recently, and has workouts scheduled with the Hornets and Nets.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press