Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss has reportedly been in contact with the team’s former coach, Phil Jackson, throughout its troubled campaign. According to Sam Amick and Bill Oram of The Athletic, Buss has consulted Jackson and Kurt Rambis several times this season and the former is said to have taken a particular interest in the dynamics surrounding Russell Westbrook.
Jackson was present during the Lakers’ win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, as pointed out by the team’s Twitter account, and is said to be in frequent contact with Buss over team affairs.
The report reads:
“Sources say Jackson, the Lakers legend and ex-fiancé of Buss, whose presence at Saturday’s win against Golden State was highlighted by the team’s Twitter account, has been in frequent contact with Buss about team matters all season long. The complicated and often uncomfortable dynamics surrounding the Westbrook situation, in particular, are known to have drawn his interest. As unofficial consultants go, they don’t get much more experienced or credible than Jackson.”
Jackson coached the Lakers to five championships after his successful spell with the Chicago Bulls, winning three titles with Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant before leaving and returning to win another two on the back of O’Neal’s departure. It appears his counsel is still highly regarded in Laker Land.
Buss recently revealed also being in contact with Magic Johnson over the team’s disappointing season.
