Lakers coach Jackson skips game with leg problems

Oct 8, 2008 - 2:19 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson skipped Tuesday's exhibition opener against the Utah Jazz because of pain and swelling in his lower legs, a team spokesman said.

Jackson saw a doctor in the afternoon and underwent tests on the legs. Results were expected on Wednesday.

"We do not anticipate it's anything serious at all," Lakers team spokesman John Black said. "We felt, and he felt, it would be better for him to stay at home and watch the game on TV."

Assistant coach and former Lakers player Kurt Rambis was going to coach the team in Jackson's absence.

"Phil let us know right at the end of shootaround/practice that he wasn't going to be coaching," Rambis said. "I'm concerned about him a little bit, but I think he'll be OK."