Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers

Phil Jackson extended his margin as the coach with the most championships in NBA history Thursday as the Lakers won their 16th title Thursday, and Phil won his 11th. After the game, the Zen Master acted as though winning was business as usual -- no celebrations or theatrics for him. No specialty hats either. Thank goodness.

Championships have seemingly become blase to him now. So much so that he went to a medical appointment Monday rather than joining the Lakers in their championship parade.

This from ESPN Los Angeles:

Jackson, 64, missed the celebration because of medical appointments he had scheduled that could not be changed, according to Lakers spokesman John Black.

Jackson has said he would decide whether to return as Lakers coach by June 27 and that his health would trump contract negotiations in the decision-making process. Jackson earned $12 million for the 2009-10 season, but sources have indicated Lakers owner Jerry Buss might ask Jackson to take a significant pay cut.

"I've got to take a deep breath," Jackson, the winningest coach in Lakers franchise history, said to the Staples Center crowd after Los Angeles beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals on Thursday. "I've got to take some time and think about this. This was great. I'll wait to make that decision in a week."

Phil's girlfriend Jeannie Buss attended the parade and apparently represented him well, wearing his infamous "X" hat with a note pinned to it that said "+1."

She and Lakers players Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol have said they think the only reason for Jackson not returning to the Lakers next season is medical considerations, but there's also talk that team owner Jerry Buss, Jeanine's father, wants Jackson to take a pay cut from the $12 million he made last season.

Phil is a master manipulator. He has proven that many times on and off the court. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if he's using his health as an excuse to get a leg up in contract negotiations. With that said, he has had many physical ailments in the past three or so years. I'm not trying to belittle his pain. It very well could be a serious issue that caused him to miss the parade.

Either way, I'll bet Lakers fans missed him at the celebration. He's become one of the hallmarks of that franchise.