Retired NBA coach Phil Jackson had been diagnosed in 2011 with prostate cancer.
Jackson recounts his ordeal in his upcoming book, "Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success," to be released on May 21, according to the Orange County Register.
In the book, Jackson discloses how doctors diagnosed him in March 2011 and controlled the cancer with drugs to allow him to finish the season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He waited until after the playoffs to undergo surgery.
After coming off back-to-back titles, the 2011 season ended for Jackson and the Lakers in a sweep by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round. During that time, he sometimes appeared lethargic on the sideline.
Jackson revealed his cancer to the team during the 2011 playoffs.
"Shocking," Lakers Pau Gasol said Saturday, recalling Jackson's disclosure to the team. "But then you could understand certain moments of his demeanor, energy and involvement because of what he was going through health-wise. It explained certain things. It was a shock. A difficult moment for the team."
Jackson retired from the NBA after the 2011 season.
Earlier this season, Jackson looked like the front-runner to replace fired Lakers coach Mike Brown. Media outlets reported the deal as nearly complete, but ultimately Los Angeles hired Mike D'Antoni.
Los Angeles struggled all season before getting swept by the San Antonio Spurs over the weekend in the first round of the playoffs.
"We want Phil," chants still erupt in the Staple Center. Jackson is now said to want a front office role with a team. While coaching hasn't been explicitly ruled out, reports suggest that he wants a general manager position so he can build a team the way he wants.
Jackson played 14 years in the NBA and won his first title with the New York Knicks in 1973. As a coach, he went on to win 11 NBA championships. He won six titles with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls and five titles with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
