UPDATE: Via the LA Times, Phil Jackson has issued a statement voicing his respect for those opposing Arizona's immigration laws:
"I've been involved in a number of progressive political issues over the years and I support those who stand up for their beliefs. It is what makes this country great," he said in his statement.
"I have respect for those who oppose the new Arizona immigration law, but I am wary of putting entire sports organizations in the middle of political controversies. This was the message of my statement. I know others feel differently, even in the Lakers organization, but it was a personal statement. In this regard, it is my wish that this statement not be used by either side to rally activists."
Earlier, KTLA reported on the protests over Phil Jackson's comments regarding Arizona's controversial new immigration law:
Immigration activists plan to demonstrate outside Staples Center during Monday night's NBA playoff game after Lakers coach Phil Jackson declined to criticize Arizona's recently adopted illegal immigration law.
"We want to make sure that Phil Jackson understands that a lot of his fans are Latino and immigrant in Los Angeles," protest organizer Jason Zepeda told KTLA.
In a pregame news conference on May 4, Jackson said, "Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard when the legislators said that `we just took United States immigration law and adapted it to our state?"
WATCH KTLA's coverage of the protests