Phil Jackson needs to choose his words more carefully

Good (late) morning. Let’s basketball.

OH, PHIL: So Phil Jackson referred to LeBron James’ business partners as a “posse” in an interview with ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan. Jackson was asked about Pat Riley’s work as an executive and LeBron’s departure from Miami, but used that opening to pivot to a discussion about James wanting special treatment. It was odd. In response, LeBron’s said he lost respect for Phil and Maverick Carter (LeBron’s business manager) called Jackson’s language “disrespectful.” Even worse, Carmelo Anthony, Jackson’s star player and James’ close friend, didn’t seem too thrilled with Jackson’s word choice. Nor should he be, to be honest. Regardless of what the phrase may mean in the dictionary, it has a different connotation than “business partners” or “friends” or any other substitute. I suspect James is right: Jackson wouldn’t have said “posse” if James and his business partners were white.

TRUMP CARDS? ESPN reports that the Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Bucks have already stopped staying at hotels owned by Donald Trump in New York and Chicago, in part due to not wanting to associate with the President-elect. It’s worth noting that these hotel contracts are often put together years in advance, and it’s not easy to find a lot of hotels that can accommodate several tall men. So while only three teams have switched hotels so far, I suspect more will follow soon.

IN ACTUAL BASKETBALL: The Cavs and Raptors played a dandy, with Cleveland executing well enough down the stretch to come away with a 121-117 win. They still rule the East. DeMar DeRozan finally had an off game, but it’s still fun watching him dominate from an area on the floor everyone else ignores.

SCORES!

Raptors 117 Cavaliers 121

Hawks 93 Heat 90

Hornets 115 Timberwolves 108

Bulls 113 Blazers 88

Nets 118 Lakers 125

THIS IS IMPORTANT: There are places out there that invent trade rumors out of thin air and feed them to the Google algorithm through a series of partner sites. They fooled Brian Scalabrine on Monday. Here’s how to make sure they don’t fool you.

THIS IS MEAN: Dwight Howard made his mom cry by pretending he signed with the Jazz

THIS IS FANTASTIC: Jrue Holiday will be back with the Pelicans on Friday. That must mean his wife is recovering well from a brain tumor.

THIS IS HILARIOUS: David Blaine spit out live frogs, which made Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler lose their minds.

THIS IS INTERESTING: The Ringer has new details on different provisions in the impending new CBA. I’m intrigued by the NBPA setting a much stricter definition of Basketball-Related Income.

THIS IS STRANGE: Al Horford still hasn’t been cleared to play after suffering a concussion more than two weeks ago ... yet he’s giving interviews about his condition?

NAH: Space Jam turned 20 on Tuesday, which is relevant because it means long interviews with former directors of the movie. But I have to disagree with Joe Pytka, who says no NBA players are as famous as Michael Jordan was in the late 1990s. There are many reasons not to remake the film, but the fame of NBA stars isn’t one of them.

Tom returns tomorrow. Until then.