Lakers coach Jackson makes road trip
SEATTLE (AP) - With only a mild limp, Phil Jackson coached his first road game since right hip surgery on Sunday night when the Los Angeles Lakers played in Seattle.
"It's out of the comfort zone, but it's good," Jackson said.
The 61-year-old Jackson had right hip replacement surgery on Oct. 3, and turned over coaching duties during training camp and the pre-season to assistant Kurt Rambis. Jackson attended practices, but did not travel.
Jackson was on the bench for the Lakers' opener against Phoenix, but did not travel the next night to Golden State. He intends to coach both ends of the Lakers' back-to-back next Tuesday at home against Minnesota and Wednesday at Portland.
The biggest improvement for Jackson is the constant discomfort that is now gone. He is able to sleep comfortably at night and his rehabilitation includes exercises a couple of times a day and walking.
"I'm feeling better about moving around, getting up and down," Jackson said. "Right now I don't have the strength to do it, but I'll be there soon."
