Jerry Buss, at his meeting with the media this afternoon, said the following:

He will not give Phil nor any other coach a part of ownership. He has not offered a contract to Phil yet (smokescreen?) but he and Mitch Kuphack along with Phil and his agent will meet within the next few days.

He would like a new, young coach that teaches exciting basketball.

Anything short of the 2nd round of the playoffs this coming year will be a disappointment.
The Lakers will be back on top in 2 years.

Buss sounds like he is in control of the coaching situation.

Buss criticizing the media by saying how they'd feel if they made mistake and everyone criticizes that mistake.

Kobe hasn't been consulted and will not be consulted. It will be all Jerry in the decision making and once a coach is selected, Kobe will be brought into the mix.

Jimmy Buss is Jerry Buss' top advisor. Reporter's opinion: Scary

Give Mitch a vote of confidence, but in the reporter's opinion, it wasn't a big vote of confidence. Not too convinced.

What players? Buss is happy with the roster. Like's Caron and Odom. Feels a coach can bring them and Kobe together to succeed. Is still open to trades though. Not open to trading Kobe because there will be no equal value.

May 16th is the deadline he'd like to get a coach-- before he leaves for vacation in Italy.

Possibility to get a new player: Buss is thinking of sending Jeanie to the draft lotttery.

It was a relaxed conference and real laid back. Buss knows he needs a name coach to bring the Lakers back.

More details ahead....

I think it would be a smart trade if he could get Lebron for Kobe. Kobe is getting a little old and Lebron is a budding star who is bound to be better than Kobe in a few years.

I doubt this woud happen though because Kobe is the face of the Lakers. I can't see him leaving before he retires.

Kobe is still young and still has some time to accomplish some great things in his career. He is still a canidate and will probably eventually win an MVP. Give him a solid team around him and he will probably win another title.

Lebron is great but the fans would probably revolt if Buss traded Kobe. Buss and Kobe have a great relationship so it would never happen (at least not for a few years). Not to mention that Kobe has a no-trade clause.

Kobe over Lebron any day. Mainly for talent reasons, but also for the invaluable playoff experience Kobe has, and Lebron doesnt.