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Hope Phil gets better soon--he's a great coach and guy.
He's never come across as a great guy IMO. He just seems like a prick.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lakers coach Phil Jackson will skip Friday's game at Portland because of pain and swelling in his lower right leg.
The team says Jackson will stay behind when the Lakers fly to Portland after Thursday night's home game against Denver, which he will coach.
The pain and swelling in Jackson's leg is caused by plantar fasciitis.
Assistant Kurt Rambis will replace the 63-year-old Hall of Famer on Friday night. Jackson will rejoin the team for practice Saturday and isn't expected to miss any more games.
Jackson missed the team's first preseason game on Oct. 7 in Anaheim against Utah because of soreness and swelling in his lower legs.
He has undergone two hip replacement operations since October 2006.
What? You can't coach sitting from your chair?
IMO, this is a non-issue.

To me, it's not an "issue" as much as it's "interesting". I could be off-base, but it just seemed Philesque for him to decide to miss the game.![]()
Phil Jackson hates coming to Portland, and he should since he can't seem to win very often in this city since Shaq left him.
That said, this is their last road game of the year, and airplanes can exacerbate swelling. This way, he doesn't get on a plane for a few weeks.
True, but it's not like he'd be flying coach. They have big, comfy recliners on the Laker plane. Phil could rest the whole flight with his legs elevated (I also get swelling in my lower legs and elevating them is the best way to make the sweeling go down).
Still, if it's bothering him, I can understand not wanting to make the trip.
BNM
While on the bench, Phil could just place a frozen can of can of corn, or even a cold Coke, under his foot and roll it back and forth. That would certainly help.
I don't think that's the issue (so much), I think all the walking around, to/from the plane, bus, etc. By skipping the trip, he can just stay home and rest with his feet elevated.
Or, he's just a freakin' coward. Take your pick.
BNM

Or maybe sitting on an airplane for a while isn't a great way to improve his condition.I find this kind of interesting that he'll coach tonight against Denver at home, but not in Portland. Hmmm... maybe that leg can't stand up to the ASSKICKING the Lakers will get that night.
