Monday, February 04, 2002 - Los Angeles Lakers coach and former NBA player Phil Jackson walks slowly on the sideline now, in part because of a back problems.

Memphis Grizzlies center Bryant Reeves retired last week because of chronic back pain. Portland Trail Blazers forward Scottie Pippen is having a hard time playing at his former level after two back surgeries.

Denver Nuggets center Scott Williams, 33, worries he could end up like one of them. But thanks to a doctor's reassurance, he doesn't believe his back problems are bad enough to start considering retirement or to begin believing he could be hampered for life.