Los Angeles, CA

Phil Jackson is reportedly "itching" to go back to work in the NBA next season in a managerial capacity.

His last job in the NBA was in the 2010-11 season as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sources say he wants to oversee an organization like Pat Riley with the Miami Heat or Larry Bird with the Indiana Pacers, although the 67-year-old Jackson never held a prominent NBA personnel job.

Jackson has been mentioned as a potential candidate to be involved with the new ownership group in Seattle in a front-office capacity that would include mentoring Brian Shaw as the team's new head coach. That is provided the purchase of the Sacramento Kings is successfully completed.

While Jackson spoke with the Lakers about a coaching comeback in November before Mike D'Antoni was hired, he has resisted coaching overtures from the Brooklyn Nets and has declared in January that he "has no intention of ever coaching again."

It's also possible that that Jackson may opt to stay retired if opportunities do not come along.

His engagement to Lakers executive vice president Jeanie Buss is not believed to be a factor in his determining his next move.

Jackson has been increasingly visible in recent weeks, appearing at both Shaquille O'Neal's jersey retirement and a ceremony to honor the New York Knicks' 1972-73 championship team earlier this month. He also joined Twitter (@philjackson11) and will soon be releasing a new book, "11 Rings," with author Hugh Delahanty next month.

Copyright © 2013 AHN. All rights reserved