Mark Cuban calls Phil Jackson ‘first housewife of the Lakers’

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was on hand Tuesday night for his team’s visit to Staples Center to play the Lakers.

After taking a moment to reminisce about Shaquille O’Neal, who will have his jersey retired by the Lakers at halftime, Cuban gave a jab to former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

“I have great respect for Phil, Jeanie’s husband, as he’ll be now be known,” Cuban said. “Someone’s got to be the first housewife of the Lakers.”

Jackson and Jeanie [Buss] became engaged to marry in January, although they’ve yet to officially tie the knot. Jackson is expected to speak at the ceremony for O’Neal.

Cuban said he thinks highly of both O’Neal and Jackson.

“Like Shaq, they’re both part of what makes the NBA unique. There’s not a lot of personalities that really define themselves -- not just by their accomplishments on the court, but by their wit and intelligence off the court.”

Cuban even urged Jackson to stay in the league after the Mavericks defeated the Lakers in the 2011 playoffs.

“When the Mavs beat them that series, I walked up [to Jackson] and said, ‘You’re great for the NBA. Please don’t retire,’” Cuban said.

The Lakers (38-36) and Mavericks (36-37) are trying to climb into the eighth-seeded spot in the Western Conference, with Tuesday’s battle crucial to both teams.

Cuban said he was also happy for O’Neal.

“I love Shaq,” Cuban said. “He’s just a great guy.”

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.