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LeBron ribs Phil Jackson again: Knicks effective after 'release of the old fella'

Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Don't think for a second LeBron James is done ripping into Phil Jackson.

The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar fell a single rebound short of a triple-double Monday as he led his team to a 23-point comeback win over the New York Knicks. Postgame, James handed down yet another "L" to the former president by complimenting the Knicks on their improved performance since Jackson agreed to part ways with the club.

"They're playing some good basketball," James said, according to James Herbert of CBS Sports. "I think Jeff - the coach, Jeff Hornacek - is finally, with the release of the old fella, is finally allowed to implement what he wants to do on the team.

"And it's showing it's very effective."

James' comments are the latest in a line of barbs against the 72-year-old former executive. Earlier Monday, the three-time NBA champion confirmed his remarks about the Knicks failing to draft Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. on Saturday were "definitely a shot at" Jackson, who chose to draft French point guard Frank Ntilikina instead.

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