After heart procedure, Jackson may miss Game 4
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Associated Press
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Coach Phil Jackson of the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers underwent an angioplasty on Saturday after experiencing chest pains during the last week.
The procedure, which lasted over two hours, was necessary to open Jackson's left anterior descending artery that had an over 90 percent blockage, team spokesman John Black said.
A balloon was inserted to open the artery and a stent was placed in it, Black said.
Jackson, slated to be kept at Centinela Hospital Medical Center on Saturday night, has not ruled out coaching Sunday's Game 4 at home.
"If all goes well, he'll be able to coach the game,'' Black said.
Jackson, 57, had been bothered by tightness and pain in his chest for several days. He underwent tests Friday before the Lakers beat San Antonio 110-95 in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. Los Angeles trails the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Doctors wanted to complete all tests Friday, but Jackson decided to wait until after the game. Jackson told assistant coach Jim Cleamons to run Saturday's practice. Cleamons would also lead the team if Jackson is unable to coach Sunday.
Jackson, the winningest coach in NBA playoff history with 161 victories, missed three games because of a kidney stone that was removed on Feb. 24. He had coached 1,249 regular-season and playoff games without missing one in 13 seasons.
He is in his fourth season with the Lakers and has won 25 straight playoff series, dating to his years with the Chicago Bulls.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Coach Phil Jackson of the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers underwent an angioplasty on Saturday after experiencing chest pains during the last week.
The procedure, which lasted over two hours, was necessary to open Jackson's left anterior descending artery that had an over 90 percent blockage, team spokesman John Black said.
A balloon was inserted to open the artery and a stent was placed in it, Black said.
Jackson, slated to be kept at Centinela Hospital Medical Center on Saturday night, has not ruled out coaching Sunday's Game 4 at home.
"If all goes well, he'll be able to coach the game,'' Black said.
Jackson, 57, had been bothered by tightness and pain in his chest for several days. He underwent tests Friday before the Lakers beat San Antonio 110-95 in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. Los Angeles trails the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Doctors wanted to complete all tests Friday, but Jackson decided to wait until after the game. Jackson told assistant coach Jim Cleamons to run Saturday's practice. Cleamons would also lead the team if Jackson is unable to coach Sunday.
Jackson, the winningest coach in NBA playoff history with 161 victories, missed three games because of a kidney stone that was removed on Feb. 24. He had coached 1,249 regular-season and playoff games without missing one in 13 seasons.
He is in his fourth season with the Lakers and has won 25 straight playoff series, dating to his years with the Chicago Bulls.
