Report: Phil Jackson, Jeanie Buss in Contact amid Russell Westbrook-Lakers Situation

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a disappointing season.

Buss has consulted with Jackson and Kurt Rambis throughout the year, with Jackson taking a particular interest in the poor fit of Russell Westbrook.

He won five of his 11 NBA titles while coaching the Lakers in 1999 to 2004. The team backfired when they chose Mike D&Antoni over bringing Jackson back for a third stint in 2012 because of the backlash.

Jackson joined the New York Knicks as their team president in a time when they were seen as a failure.

Jackson is providing counsel to Buss. Even after their break up, the pair still maintain a close relationship. Jackson is a close friend of Rambis.

It is noteworthy because of the history between Jackson and James. The Lakers star ripped Jackson in 2016 for referring to his business associates as a racially charged term. He said he was not a fan of Jackson a year later.

The insinuation that James needs things to be done was one of the reasons why James was upset by the Jackson comments. At the All-Star break, the NBA's reigning player of the year publicly expressed his displeasure by flirting with a return to Cleveland and praising the general manager of the Oklahoma City team.

The Lakers stood up to James, but it is not clear if Jackson's increased behind-the-scenes role played a part.

There is also the question of whether Jackson should have any influence at all. His time in New York was a complete disaster. From his coaching selections to his behind-the-scenes meddling to his relationship with the team's superstars, nearly every aspect of Jackson's tenure was a major disappointment.

His presence is just more proof of the Lakers front office being in more disarray than its roster.