Durant sees why LeBron took offense to Jackson's 'posse' comment

Another NBA star has spoken out against Phil Jackson's choice of words.

The New York Knicks president recently referred to LeBron James' business associates as his "posse," sparking backlash from several people in the NBA world, including Carmelo Anthony and King James himself.

Related: LeBron no longer respects Jackson after 'posse' dig

Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant also finds the term disrespectful, and doesn't think it does justice to the success the Cleveland Cavaliers icon has had as an entrepreneur.

"I see why LeBron took offense to it," Durant told Chris Haynes of ESPN. "He doesn't just work on the basketball court; he puts his work in (off of it as well). He's trying to set himself, his kids, his kid's kids up forever. So doing it for 10-plus years, to not associate what he's done with being an empire, I understand why he took offense to it."

Related: Stan Van Gundy admits he's used word 'posse': 'It's not right'

Despite the racial undertones of the word "posse" - which Jackson used in reference to those close to James, including business partner Maverick Carter and super-agent Rich Paul - KD is giving the Zen Master the benefit of the doubt.

"I don't think Phil is racist," he said. "I think he just used a bad word, and he shouldn't be talking about other players anyway on another team. But I don't think ... he meant it in a bad way, but it sounds like a downgrade to what they really are. I understand why (LeBron) was upset."

Related: Melo doesn't understand why Jackson is even talking about LeBron

James was childhood friends with Carter and Paul, and the fact that all three have grown together and thrived in their respective fields speaks to the Cavs player's leadership, according to Durant.

"(Leaders) put people in position to be successful, whether that's on the basketball court or off the court," the 2014 NBA MVP said. "... You can impact so many lives, and I think that's the most important part."