Phil Jackson, Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss end their engagement

Phil Jackson, who helped the Purple & Gold win five championships in the 2000s, and Jeanie Buss, co-owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers, have ended their engagement per reports.

Jackson, 71, and Jeanie Buss, 55, got engaged during the Christmas holiday in 2012. They began their relationship after Jackson arrived in LA to coach the Lakers in 1999. Dr. Jerry Buss, the father of Jeanie, was very fond of Jackson and often referred to the "Zen Master" as a member of the family.

Phil Jackson, Jeanie Buss have mutual breakup

Jackson, currently the president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks, tweeted a statement on Tuesday at 7:50PM Pacific Time (PT) -- which appears to be co-signed by Jeanie Buss.

“With mutual love and respect, we have decided to end our engagement. With the nature of our professional obligations and the geographic distance between us, sustaining the relationship has been difficult. We have shared many wonderful moments through the years, and we expect to remain supportive of each other in the future," Jackson tweeted.

Minutes later, Jeanie Buss tweeted the following: “Nothing but love and respect for this man."

Jackson, who also won six championships with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, helped the Lakers capture five championships in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010. He is widely regarded as the greatest coach in basketball history.

More to follow.