Phil Jackson, back at the Garden tonight, has declined the Knicks' invitation to attend their 40th anniversary celebration of their first championship, according to a source.
The 64-year-old Lakers coach was a power forward on the Knicks' 1969-70 championship team in his third NBA season, though he spent the entire season on injured reserve with a back injury.
Jackson didn't miss a game during their second championship season in 1972-73. He also has 10 NBA titles as a head coach, including six with the Bulls.
The Knicks brass wanted Jackson to attend their 40th anniversary night. The Post reported in November the Knicks are planning to celebrate the 1969-70 season with a big night in February, but have yet to announce it. The organization has targeted Feb. 22 against Milwaukee.
The Lakers have an off night in Memphis, and the Knicks wanted to fly him in, but Jackson felt he couldn't leave the team. Plus, he's dealt with health issues that have made traveling difficult and put into jeopardy whether he will return next season.
"He can't make a trip like that during the Lakers' season," said Lakers' executive Jeanie Buss, who is Jackson's girlfriend.
All other living members of the 1969-70 club are expected to attend, along with relatives of the two deceased players (Dave DeBusschere and Nate Bowman).
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Jeff Van Gundy is back at the Garden, doing the Knicks-Lakers for ESPN tonight.
Van Gundy last season ripped David Lee for a quote in which he said after getting swept during "dream week" by the Lakers, Cavs and Celtics, "It's the best 0-3 week I've ever had."
Said Lee yesterday: "Maybe it wasn't worded correctly. I don't think it turned out to be a huge deal. Jeff knows I'm a competitor."
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