Assistant coach Kurt Rambis, who has been mentioned as a possible future successor to Phil Jackson, was seen Wednesday getting on a flight to meet Timberwolves officials, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site.

Rambis, 51, has had two interviews with the Timberwolves for their head-coaching vacancy and the Times report said he could be meeting with Minnesota owner Glen Taylor — likely the final step in getting the job.

The Timberwolves decided not to retain coach Kevin McHale after the team finished 24-58.

Rambis is a sought-after commodity, having interviewed with the Kings and Sixers for their coaching openings. He just finished his seventh consecutive season as an assistant for the Lakers.

This past season, Rambis was in charge of the Lakers' defense, which helped propel Los Angeles to the NBA title.

Rambis, who as a player was part of the Lakers' championsip teams in the 1980s, coached the Lakers for the end of the 1998-99 season, going 24-13 after replacing Del Harris. The team made the Western Conference semifinals, where it was swept by the Spurs.

Jackson took over the following season and Rambis became assistant general manager, a job he held until 2001.