Phil Jackson apparently has the ear of Lakers president Jeanie Buss.
According to a report from NBA reporters Sam Amick and Bill Oram, Buss has consulted with Jackson and Kurt Rambis throughout the season, with Jackson particularly weighing in on the dynamics of the Russell Westbrook situation.
Westbrook, whom the Lakers traded for prior to the season amid much scrutiny that he wasn’t a fit for the team, has seemingly proved those critics right.
The 33-year-old is averaging his lowest points total per game (18.1) since his second season in the NBA. It was recently reported that the Lakers rejected a trade involving Westbrook to the Wizards for John Wall.
Westbrook has another year left on his contract, which is worth $47 million, and it is unlikely he will play that season with the Lakers.
While Jackson, who won five championships as head coach of the Lakers and is the ex-fiance of Buss, has no official role with the team, the fact that his voice is being used is notable for many reasons.
Perhaps most interesting is the brewing tension between the Lakers and LeBron James.
James has been on the record that he is “not a fan” of Jackson after he described James’ business associates as a “posse” and has been vocal that he did not think Jackson handled good friend Carmelo Anthony’s stint with the Knicks well, which ended in the star being traded to Oklahoma City.
It is unclear if Jackson’s advice to Buss has played a factor in James’ relationship with the team or if his behind-the-scenes role at all has irked the Lakers star.
James, who has a year left on his contract, spent much of the All-Star weekend hinting at a future outside of LA, including a potential Cleveland reunion.
On Sunday, James dropped 56 points in a win over the Warriors with Jackson notably in attendance as the team fights for a spot in the play-in tournament.
Nevertheless, changes are likely coming in LA this summer and whether or not they appease LeBron should be interesting to watch.
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