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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 11:12 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009

NBA: Lakers' Phil Jackson to skip Portland trip

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles 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.