Kobe Bryant's double jersey retirement ceremony is expected to be a star-studded affair, with Los Angeles Lakers greats as well as his former teammates and coaches all expected to grace the event. However, his coach during all his five championships won't be present on the night.

Phil Jackson is reportedly unable to travel from his home in Montana, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. No exact reason has been given, but The Zen Master won't witness Bryant's jerseys being raised to the rafters of Staples Center.

“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.”

The 11-time champion coach was calling the plays on the sidelines for the Lakers from 1999 to 2011, winning five titles with Bryant during that span. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the best bench tacticians in NBA history, and had the opportunity to coach some of the greatest to ever play the game, like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O'Neal, and Bryant.

Phil Jackson will definitely be missed during the festivities, but his absence should not take away anything from Kobe Bryant who is the star of the show. His contributions to the franchise, as well as to the game of basketball will be celebrated, and retiring his jerseys is a fitting tribute for one of the NBA's all-time greats.