Lakers News: Luke Walton Comments on Relationship with Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson seems to be making more enemies lately, but he still has a friend in Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton.

The 36-year-old spent nine years playing under Jackson as a member of the Lakers from 2003-2011 and now calls up his former boss for advice in his first season as a full-time coach.

When asked what the two discuss, Walton told the media Sunday, "how to coach," per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

"When I call him now, instead of random check-ins, it's about specific things," Walton explained. "I try to get his opinion on how he thinks I should handle something on getting better at certain things, just picking his brain. So far he's batting 100 percent."

Jackson, now the team president of the New York Knicks, is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history with 11 titles between the Lakers and Chicago Bulls. However, his work in the front office hasn't been quite as easy with the Knicks going just 49-115 in his first two years at the helm.

Additionally, he has come under criticism lately due to comments made toward the team's star player Carmelo Anthony.

Jackson explained in an interview with CBS Sports Network that Anthony holds the ball too long, via Ian Begley of ESPN.com. Anthony responded by saying the controversy is a "temporary black cloud over our heads," per Mike Vorkunov of the New York Times.

Anthony also admitted he calls Kobe Bryant to learn how to deal with Jackson.

While not a member of his own team, Jackson also recently angered Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James by referring to his business associates as a "posse."

Pairing the mishaps with the Knicks along with the current Lakers brass, speculation has grown that Jackson could leave New York and return to Los Angeles in a front office role. As Berman noted, the relationship with Walton and the fact his fiancée is current Lakers president Jeannie Buss could create an easy fit for Jackson.

Mark Heisler of the Orange County Register argued last month he would "make the odds 50-50" that Jackson joins the Lakers after opting out of his current contract in July.

The two teams in question battled at Madison Square Garden Sunday night with the Knicks coming away with a 118-112 victory, moving to 14-10 on the season. Los Angeles fell to 10-16 with six losses in a row.

After the game, Jackson also made sure to visit the opposing locker room, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.

Even with the recent struggles, the Lakers have a handful of promising young players who are certain to only get better with time. Combining the talent on the roster, the know-how of Jackson and the strategy and coaching of Walton, it could be exactly what the organization needs to get back toward contention.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter.