Phil Jackson on calling LeBron James’ associates a ‘posse’: That ‘could be something I could regret’

Phil Jackson said Tuesday he doesn’t need to engage in a discussion with LeBron James, who took issue with the New York Knicks president’s describing the Cleveland Cavaliers star’s business associates as a “posse.�

That’s probably for the best, since James already said he has no intention of speaking with Jackson while the Cavaliers are in town to play the Knicks on Wednesday.

“It’s water under the bridge,� Jackson said of the situation on CBS Sports Network’s “We Need To Talk.�

“I don’t think there was anybody hurt or harmed in this situation. I think LeBron’s friend obviously had an issue with it. So we just let it go. It’s not enough to talk about.�

James and his longtime friend and business partner, Maverick Carter, were unhappy at Jackson’s use of that one word last month during an interview with ESPN.

“It’s the word ‘posse’ and the characterization I take offense to,� Carter said at the time. “If he would have said LeBron and his agent, LeBron and his business partners or LeBron and his friends, that’s one thing. Yet because you’re young and black, he can use that word. We’re grown men.�

Jackson said Tuesday he should have chosen a different word.

“The word itself carries connotation,� he said. “And I just don’t understand that part of it, the word. So I guess word choice could be something I could regret.�

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