LOS ANGELES - It's Zen again for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Phil Jackson returned to coach one of the most high-profile franchises in professional sports Tuesday, signing a three-year contract that will make him the highest-paid coach in NBA history.

One of the first things he did was preach patience concerning the future.

"It's not about a 10th championship," Jackson said at a news conference at Staples Center. "It's about coming back here and establishing a team that is competitive. I would be most amazed if at the end of the third year we had an opportunity to (win a title)."

Jackson, who coached the Lakers to three championships in five years, was let go last June 18 by owner Jerry Buss - three days after the team lost to Detroit in the NBA Finals.

"This is something I never thought could possibly happen," Jackson said. "It's a pleasure to come back. It's a tremendous story - a story of reconciliation and redemption.

"I'm back here with a lot of anticipation and a lot of hope. We do think there's hope that we can get back on track and get in the playoffs again."

The buzz about Jackson's possible return began almost immediately after his replacement, Rudy Tomjanovich, left in February, despite Jackson's book detailing the 2003-04 season in which he made disparaging remarks about the franchise.

Lakers star Kobe Bryant was at the top of that list, referred to as "uncoachable" by Jackson.

So, now what?

"I think it's a matter of trust, a matter of rebuilding the trust that we had," Jackson said. "And yes, I have talked to Kobe; he actually called me this morning to congratulate me on the job. And I felt confident that he's confident that we can go forward."

Bryant's reaction to a possible return by Jackson seemed lukewarm at best during the past several months. But Bryant released a more positive statement through his agent Tuesday.

"When the Lakers began the search for a new head coach, I put my complete trust in Dr. Buss and (general manager) Mitch Kupchak to select the person they thought was best for the Lakers' organization," Bryant said. "In Phil Jackson, they chose a proven winner. That is something I support."

Contract terms were not announced, but it's believed Jackson will earn between $7 million and $10 million per year.

Jackson is well-known for his offbeat coaching style and motivational ploys, from practicing Zen philosophy to urging his players to meditate and buying them books for long road trips.

He has coached nine NBA championship teams - six with the Chicago Bulls and in his first three years with the Lakers - from 2000-2002. That ties him with former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach for the most in league history.

Jackson also has a record 175 postseason victories and is tied for 10th on the NBA's all-time list with 832 wins in just 14 seasons - nine with the Bulls and five with the Lakers. He has a .725 regular-season winning percentage and a .717 postseason winning percentage.

The Lakers were 287-123 in the regular season and 64-28 in the postseason under Jackson. But this figures to be his biggest challenge since the current team doesn't appear to have what it takes to return to elite status any time soon.

"I'm not the panacea for this basketball club," Jackson said. "It's going to take plenty of hard work and dedication over the course of the summer to change the face of this team."

In Bryant, Lamar Odom and Caron Butler, the Lakers have a superstar and two highly regarded players. Beyond that, there are many more weaknesses than strengths on the roster.

"We're very pleased to have Phil return to the Lakers as our head coach," Jerry Buss said in a statement. "His record speaks for itself and his success in this sport is unparalleled. Quite simply, Phil is the best coach in the business and probably the greatest coach of all time."

Jeanie Buss, the owner's daughter and the Lakers' executive vice president of business operations, publicly lobbied for months for the return of Jackson, her longtime boyfriend.

Jackson, who turns 60 in September, has had health issues in the past and underwent an angioplasty two years ago.

"I'm 100 percent healthy," he said Tuesday.

"I can see how thrilled he is to be back," said Todd Musburger, Jackson's agent. "It was the right decision. In the end, it came down to returning to the Lakers or taking another year off. And here we are."

Jackson's dismissal last year set in motion a makeover of massive proportions that proved disastrous for the Lakers. Dominant big man Shaquille O'Neal demanded a trade and superstar Bryant opted out of his contract to become a free agent the same day Jackson's five-year run as coach ended.

The following month, O'Neal was traded to Miami while Bryant stayed with the Lakers.

Tomjanovich succeeded Jackson, signing a five-year, $30 million contract, but lasted barely half a season, citing health reasons when he suddenly resigned Feb. 2.

With injuries playing a major role, the Lakers lost 19 of their last 21 games under interim coach Frank Hamblen to finish 34-48 and out of the playoffs for just the second time since 1976.

"I want to congratulate Phil on returning to coach the Lakers," O'Neal said in a statement released through the Heat. "He is one of the premier coaches. I wish him the very best."

O'Neal's representatives did not return repeated calls and e-mails seeking additional comment.