Former Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson is unable to attend Monday night's jersey retirement for Kobe Bryant, league sources told ESPN.
Jackson has been in touch with Bryant in advance of the ceremony to congratulate him, sources said. But he was unable to travel from his Montana home for the ceremony in Los Angeles.
Bryant will have both his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys retired during halftime of the Lakers' game against the Golden State Warriorsat Staples Center.
Jackson coached Bryant to all five of his NBA championships.