Ex-Knicks coach explains Phil Jackson’s low profile since firing

LOS ANGELES — Kurt Rambis said there’s a reason former Knicks president Phil Jackson has kept a low profile since getting fired 18 months ago.

Rambis, fired as Knicks associate head coach after last season, is back as a Lakers special advisor — a liaison between the coaching staff and front office.

Rambis — with the Knicks four seasons, including a stint as interim head coach — broke his silence Friday with Ramona Shelburne on ESPNLA’s The Sedano Show.”

Sitting in an outdoor makeshift studio infront of Staples Center before the Knicks faced the Lakers, Rambis said he dines with Jackson, 73, frequently, but said the invisible Zen Master is struggling physically. Jackson has had multiple knee and hip replacements.

“He’s got some physical ailments that’s slowed him down,’’ Rambis said. “He’s working on getting more mobile and active. He’s trying to get some flexibility, some mobility and keep cardiovascular [health] and he rides bikes now and then.’’

Rambis said Jackson occasionally meets with Lakers coach Luke Walton over “problematic’’ coaching issues. Sources have indicated Jackson will be more visible — and vocal — about his failed Knicks stint after March when he receives his final payments as president.

Rambis coached Walton and played alongside president Magic Johnson. Rambis’ wife, Linda, a Lakers staffer, is friends with owner Jeanie Buss.

“It’s a real good job to get to work with the coaching staff and deal with [general manager] Rob Pelinka, Earvin and Jeanie,’’ Rambis said. “It’s been good experience. It’s good to be back home, too.”

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