Phil Jackson returned to Lakers practice Wednesday in good spirits despite missing Tuesday night's exhibition opener against Utah as a result of soreness and swelling in his lower legs. He joked he was more nervous about his team's turnover-riddled performance than he was his health, though he called the ailment "a mysterious thing."
Although Jackson underwent tests Tuesday afternoon, the results were not expected to be available for a few more days. He walked with a pronounced limp during Wednesday's practice but was hopeful he'd be feeling well enough to accompany the team to Fresno for Thursday night's exhibition game against the Clippers.
"I'm feeling all right," he said. "I just had some curious things going on that just had to be watched."
Jackson's maladies sparked concern among members of the Lakers because they've seen him struggle with medical problems for years. He had an angioplasty in May 2003 and walked with a cane for much of last season after undergoing his second hip replacement surgery in eight months in June 2007.
"You're always concerned when it's something with your head coach," Sasha Vujacic said. "But I think he's been through a couple surgeries in the past couple years, so we know he's a fighter."

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