LAKERS HEAD COACH PHIL JACKSON UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

EL SEGUNDO – Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson underwent successful surgery to replace his left hip, it was announced today.

The surgery was performed at the Centinela Hospital Medical Center by Dr. Lawrence Dorr of the Arthritis Institute in Inglewood. Jackson is expected to be released from the hospital within the next 24 hours. The surgery is Jackson’s second hip replacement in the past year, having undergone right hip replacement surgery on October 3, 2006.

The newest member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, in eight seasons as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jackson has compiled a 374-200 regular season record along with three NBA Championships. In 16 seasons as an NBA head coach, Jackson has posted a mark of 919-393 (.700), the best winning percentage of any coach in NBA annals. He became the fastest coach to 900 career victories this past season and his total of 917 regular season wins rank him 9th all-time while his nine championships as a head coach are tied for first in league history with Red Auerbach.