Phil Jackson didn’t apologize for using the word “posse’’ in describing LeBron James’ management team, but forever outspoken Pistons president and coach Stan Van Gundy did it for him.

Before facing the Knicks on Wednesday, Van Gundy owned up to using the phrase “posse’’ in a similar vein in regards to black associates, saying the Jackson incident served as an epiphany. Van Gundy has ripped President-elect Donald Trump as being racist, and he admitted he needed to come clean.

“It makes you all think,’’ Van Gundy said. “I think we’ve all got to become aware of our language and attitudes. I’m going to be perfectly honest here. I’ve used that word before. OK. When all that came out, I had to ask myself: Have I ever used that word before with a white player? The answer is no.

“You have to be aware of your own biases if you want to overcome them,’’ Van Gundy added. “I took that seriously. I understand why it’s offensive. I’ve never used that word publicly, but I have used it in talking to people I know. It has never been in conjunction with a white player.”

“At the time you’re going to call out other people on attitudes, you have to be willing to look in the mirror and call yourself out.’’

Jackson has hardly called himself out. He subtly responded on Twitter by retweeting a post about the multicultural education entity “Posse Foundation,” as he appeared to dispute the term’s racial undertones instead of apologizing for offending James and his manager, Maverick Carter, and agent, Rich Paul.

Van Gundy, meanwhile, once called Jackson “ignorant’’ in 2010 for making an odd reference to his dismissal by Pat Riley in Miami. Van Gundy said he couldn’t recall it.

“I haven’t personally had an issue with Phil,’’ Van Gundy said. “He had issues with my brother [Jeff].’’

Van Gundy also was asked about some NBA teams deciding against staying at Donald Trump-owned hotels and added, “Every team has to take a look at that.’’