Jay Z jabs at Phil Jackson’s ‘posse’ comment during speech introducing LeBron James

Add Jay Z to the steadily growing list of notable people taking offense to Phil Jackson’s recent “posse” comments toward LeBron James.

The rapper turned businessman introduced LeBron James as Sports Illustrated’s 2016 Sportsperson of the Year on Tuesday and took a shot at the New York Knicks’ president for an off-base criticism he made of James’ close group of friends.

“He’s a dedicated family man who married his high school sweetheart, Savannah,” Jay Z said. “Has three lovely children. He’s the son who honors and worships his mother, Gloria. The friend who put his posse in position. We know where we come from. We do understand where we come from.

“The only difference between us and someone who has their MBA from Wharton or Sloan or Berkley or Stanford is opportunity. LeBron James provides his friends with that opportunity and as we’ve witnessed their development. And if we’re we’re looking up at the scoreboard, very few businessmen are better than Maverick Carter, Rich Paul, Randy Mims and all the rest of the posse behind the scenes that made it look like they’re just hanging out.”

Jay Z’s comments came in wake of a November Q&A with ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, where Jackson took what many perceived as a dig at the Cavaliers All-Star forward, saying he requires “preferential treatment” from his team.

“When LeBron was playing with the Heat, they went to Cleveland and he wanted to spend the night. They don’t do overnights. Teams just don’t. So now (coach Erik) Spoelstra has to text Riley and say, ‘What do I do in this situation?’” Jackson said. “And Pat, who has iron-fist rules, answers, ‘You are on the plane, you are with this team.’ You can’t hold up the whole team because you and your mom and your posse want to spend an extra night in Cleveland.

“I always thought Pat had this really nice vibe with his guys. But something happened there where it broke down. I do know LeBron likes special treatment. He needs things his way.”

Jay Z wasn’t the first to respond to Jackson’s comments. The Zen Master’s own All-Star, Carmelo Anthony, said he “would never want to hear that word about” him and his family. And just as early as last week, James said he wouldn’t entertain a make-good conversation with Jackson, citing his comments had racial undertones that show “how far we still have to go as African-Americans, even in the light of today.”

Jackson also criticized Anthony last week for, at times, holding onto the ball for too long. But the Knicks are sitting third in the Eastern Conference at a 14-10 record and playing better than many anticipated.