Broussard: Phil and Lakers "getting close"

Now it is ESPN's turn to get in on the Phil Jackson story. Insider Chris Broussard's sources have told him that the two sides are getting close and that health is no longer a problem for Jackson.

LAL & Phil getting close. Source close to Phil: "I can't imagine this not working out. Phil's health is fine now. That's no issue at all."

Broussard also notes that Phil is a bit feisty, according to someone close to him.

Source close to Phil continues: "Phil's feisty. He gets feisty when he's ready to coach. He likes this Lakers team."

Jackson has already contacted some of his assistant coaches, per Broussard.

Ken Berger of CBSSPorts has also weighed in, saying that Phil Jackson wants the job.

Phil Jackson has emerged as the clear leading candidate to be the Lakers' next coach, and two people connected to the 11-time champion coach told CBSSports.com Saturday that all indications point to Jackson wanting the job.

"Phil wants it," one of the people with ties to Jackson said.

League sources told CBSSports.com Friday that key figures in the Lakers organization had concluded that Jackson was the best -- and perhaps only -- choice to take over the star-laden roster in the hopes it will fulfill its championship potential. It would mark Jackson's third stint with the Lakers, where he won five of his NBA titles before stepping down after the 2010-11 season.

Per Berger, there are only a "couple more steps" to go through before this can become official. Berger hints that finding a solution to traveling, which Phil has never enjoyed doing, may be one of those steps.

Virtually all signs point to Phil Jackson being the Lakers next coach, which is excellent news.