Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss Engaged: Twitter Reacts to Impending Nuptials

It may have taken more than a decade, but it looks like wedded bliss is about to find legendary coach Phil Jackson and his long-time girlfriend and Los Angeles Lakers executive Jeanie Buss. The happy couple's impending nuptials were announced in perhaps the most 2013 way humanly possible—on Buss' Twitter account:

"

Twitter family - Phil finally gave me that ring I wanted!:-) twitpic.com/bs8xc5

— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) January 4, 2013"

As many would later say when hearing about the announcement, it's about time. Jackson reportedly proposed on Christmas Day, ending a courtship that has lasted 12 years. The happy couple met during Jackson's first run with the Lakers and began dating in 2001.

Buss, who is the daughter of Lakers owner Jim Buss, has somehow navigated the couple's relationship while also being a part of the family business. 

That family business definitely came into play in 2012. The currently retired Jackson was widely seen as the favorite to land a third stint with the Lakers when they fired Mike Brown, but the team instead chose Mike D'Antoni. Considering Jim Buss', Jeanie's brother, critical role in that decision, one has to wonder whether there will be an awful lot of awkward small talk at the dinner table.

Nevertheless, this announcement has little to do with on-court drama. Jackson and Buss have withstood plenty of Laker-related hoopla in the past and seem more than willing to keep that going into the future. 

As one would expect, the reaction from this news was overwhelmingly positive. And since the first lady of Los Angeles made her announcement on the social media site, it's only right that we check out the best reactions from all over Twitter. 

The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding answered the question on everyone's mind. As of right now, Buss and Jackson have not set a wedding date (or at least publicly announced it): 

"

Congrats to Phil Jackson and @jeaniebuss on their engagement. He proposed on Christmas Day. She accepted. No wedding date set yet.

— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) January 4, 2013"

As one would expect, the reaction was strong across the Lakers' blogosphere. Andrew Ungvari of LakersNation.com tweeted that Jackson finally got his desired ownership stake in the franchise:

"

Phil got that ownership stake he wanted. RT @latimeslakers: Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss are engaged lat.ms/Wp6vHO

— Andrew Ungvari (@DrewUnga) January 4, 2013"

On a similar note, ESPN's Dave McMenamin sent out a response that will surely stick in the craw of Lakers fans who wanted Jackson over Mike D'Antoni as head coach:

"

Ol' PJax managed to get a Laker a ring this year after all RT @jeaniebuss Phil finally gave me that ring I wanted! twitpic.com/bs8xc5

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 4, 2013"

Speaking of rings, ESPN's J.A. Adande did a little comparing between Jackson's jewelry box and his future wife's. Spoiler alert: Jackson wins:

"

Congrats! Although it's still Phil 11, Jeanie 1. RT @jeaniebuss: Phil finally gave me that ring I wanted!:-) twitpic.com/bs8xc5

— J.A. Adande (@jadande) January 4, 2013"

In the end, Pro Basketball Talk's Kurt Helin asked a question that plenty of people in a certain New York City borough are wondering as well: 

"

So, how does Jeanie Buss feel about Brooklyn?

— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) January 4, 2013"

Whether or not Jackson winds up taking the Brooklyn Nets coaching job in the future, it's become apparent that he'll have a certain basketball executive next to his side for a long, long time.

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