Lakers president Jeanie Buss said Monday she’s happy fiancé Phil Jackson is running the Knicks, but admitted she hoped he would have been able to assume a similar role with the Lakers.

Appearing on Bleacher Report radio to discuss Kobe Bryant’s retirement, Buss said she’s pleased Jackson is finally getting accolades for his draft selection of 7-foot-3 phenom Kristaps Porzingis, but admits she has mixed feelings over their long-distance relationship. Jackson spent the past week in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving before returning Friday.

“I’m not going to say that was not always my hope at some point,” Buss said of Jackson having a Lakers front-office position. “But it was made clear to me by my brother [Jim] and [GM] Mitch Kupchak, we didn’t need any more voices involved with the Lakers, that they felt they had everything under control. I respect that, but had to respect Phil’s desire to work again. He had to pursue whatever made him happy.

“Would I have preferred to do it together? Of course, but I’m happy he’s doing something that makes him happy.’’

Jackson signed a five-year, $60 million contract, but has hinted he may not fulfill the entire pact. The Lakers are always looming.

Buss, who owns a home with Jackson in Playa del Rey, admitted the separation isn’t easy. Jackson attended just three Knicks road games last season — two in Los Angeles and the London trip against the Bucks.

“I’m happy for him,’’ Buss said of the Knicks getting off to a respectable 8-10 start. “I think he works hard. He took a job that’s difficult. He moved to New York. That part’s tough is that we’re not together. He’s finding satisfaction and fulfillment in the job. I wish him luck. The best thing would be if the Lakers and Knicks played in the playoffs because that would mean we’re both in The Finals. I wish him luck. I think he’s enjoying what he’s doing. He’s fully focused.

“We’re not the first couple that have been bicoastal. We try to see each other, but it’s tough. In terms of the entertainment business, we’re not the first long-distance couple.’’

Jackson has not spoken publicly since late September, three days before training camp. He has been deathly quiet on his Twitter account regarding the Knicks. The buzz around the club is Jackson doesn’t want to spoil a good thing with his words, nor toot his horn on the spectacular pick of Porzingis, who is a top early candidate for Rookie of the Year after Jackson was attacked for selecting a so-called European project at No. 4.

Buss said she doubts Bryant will stay away from the game — “[Kobe] has to stay competitive. You can’t squelch that,’’ she said — and compared him to Jackson in that way.

However, Jackson indulging the competitive itch and taking the job as Knicks president deprived the world of the spectacle of the Zen Master hawking kitchen appliances.

“Phil had a lot of different opportunities, even like a George Foreman grill kind of thing he could’ve gotten involved in when he wasn’t involved in basketball,’’ Buss said. “It wasn’t a grill, it was something along those lines that would’ve been marketed the same way. He could’ve done infomercials. But nothing motivated Phil as the challenge of getting back involved in basketball.’’