The Los Angeles Lakers were missing a key component to their team for their preseason opener on Tuesday night, but it was not anyone who you would have thought.

Head Coach Phil Jackson was unable to take his place at the helm because of soreness and swelling in his lower legs, the Associated Press is reporting.

"We don't anticipate that it's anything serious at all," team spokesman John Black said.

Jackson was replaced on the sidelines by Assistant Coach Kurt Rambis.