Jackson’s Pain Might Be Stress

Laker Coach Phil Jackson recently complained of discomfort that he suspected was heart-related, and, according to those familiar with the process, was examined by team physicians.

Doctors told Jackson, 57, that the discomfort could be related to stress and there was no reason for concern. He missed several games and practices earlier in the season because of a kidney stone but has had no pain since.

“I won’t deny it, but I won’t confirm it,” Jackson said Friday of the episode.

Jackson will undergo further tests.

*

Devean George, who suffered a sprained left ankle in Game 1, did not play in Game 2 and had “no hope,” according to Jackson, of playing in Game 3, started Game 3 on Friday night at Staples Center.

The Lakers surprised everyone but George, apparently, when George was announced as a starter, to applause from a Staples Center crowd.

Ninety minutes before the game, Jackson stood before dozens of reporters and told them Brian Shaw would start at shooting guard. This came after saying he had spent two days considering a lineup change and that George would be used only in an emergency.

Instead, Jackson returned to the lineup he used in Game 1, and George was immediately a factor. He made his first two jump shots, giving the Lakers a 4-0 lead, then made a three-pointer from the left wing to push the lead to 19-4.

Jackson had said of George, “He’s made some rapid improvement in the last two days, three days.”

*

Somewhat remarkably for a team that ranked 23rd in points allowed and last in three-point defense, the Lakers had two players -- Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant -- named to All-Defensive teams this week.

Bryant, on the first team, was sixth in steals, and O’Neal, on the second, was sixth in blocks.

“Isn’t that wonderful?” Jackson said. “It’s always nice to have players rewarded. We’re very pleased with that. As a coaching staff, we were somewhat shocked. We thank the other coaches in the league for their generosity.”

*

The NBA released its All-Interview teams Friday and O’Neal was on the first team, presumably because he granted one this season.

Rick Fox, always genial and cooperative, also was on the first team. Bryant and Clipper forward Elton Brand were on the second team.