Phil Jackson won 11 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers. But his triangle offense couldn’t seal the deal on a wedding ring with lover Jeanie Buss.
New York Knicks president Jackson, 71, announced on Twitter his breakup with Buss, 55, president and part owner of the Lakers.
“With mutual love and respect, we have decided to end our engagement,” said the Hall of Fame coach. “With the nature of our professional obligations and the geographic distance between us, sustaining the relationship has been difficult. We have shared many wonderful moments through the years, and we expect to remain supportive of each other in the future.”
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) December 28, 2016
They became engaged in January 2013 after having been a pair since 1999, when her late father, Jerry Buss, owned the Lakers.
Buss later tweeted: “The love of my life is the Los Angeles Lakers. I love Phil & will always. It’s not fair to him or Lakers to not have my undivided attention.”
The love of my life is the Los Angeles Lakers. I love Phil & will always. It’s not fair to him or Lakers to not have my undivided attention
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) December 28, 2016
The split, told Tuesday, inspired triangle references on social media.
REPORT: Phil Jackson breaks off engagement with Jeannie Buss for refusing to run the Triangle Offense when setting up dinner table.
— NOT NBA Tonight (@NOTNBATonight) December 28, 2016
Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss end their 17 year engagement. They just couldn’t find the third person for their love triangle #juddbuschler
— The Sklar Brothers (@SklarBrothers) December 28, 2016
Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss call off their engagement after Jeanie refused to run the love triangle.
— Pierre The Pelican (@PelicanPierre) December 28, 2016
Sad that Jeannie Buss isn’t part of Phil Jackson’s posse anymore
— Bring on Bama (@THE_OSU) December 28, 2016
After breaking up with Jeanie Buss, Phil Jackson is excited to get some fresh posse.
— NOT NBA Tonight (@NOTNBATonight) December 28, 2016
Phil Jackson just tweeted an official breakup announcement with Jeanie Buss. I officially hate the social media era.
— Persian Papi (@ThatPersianGuy) December 28, 2016
Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson giving up on love to steer two once-great franchises into the abyss of mediocrity. A Shakespearean tragedy.
— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) December 28, 2016