Rick Fox, team captain, three-time NBA champion, keeper of locker-room peace and holder of a guaranteed contract through next season, said Monday he would consider retiring this summer if the Lakers lose their coach and too many of their central players.

Already, the Lakers have suspended contract negotiations with Coach Phil Jackson, who has said the odds of his returning to the club were "50-50."

Additionally, on a roster of 14 players, eight ? including Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Gary Payton and Derek Fisher ? could leave as free agents. Bryant has said he will test the market, many in the organization expect Payton to leave, and Malone, 41, recently said he might retire this summer.

"With all the uncertainty of our team up in the air, I want to be on a Phil Jackson team, I want to be playing for Dr. Buss and the Lakers, and I want to be working with Kobe and [Shaquille O'Neal], even if they can't get along at times," Fox said. "That's all I've known and that's all I love?. I'll make my decision on whatever everyone else does."