Rudy Tomjanovich resigned today as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers citing concerns about his health. The 56-year-old Tomjanovich had a 22-19 record in his first year at the helm of the Lakers who had traded away Shaquille O'Neal and built the this year's team around Kobe Bryant.

Assistant coach Frank Hamblen was named as Tomjanovich's replacement and team sources indicate that he will stay on to coach the team indefinitely.

'There are no outside influences, be it pressure from above, anything to do with my players or being here in Los Angeles,' Tomjanovich told reporters. 'This is all about me and how I'm wired. Nobody put pressure on me but me.'

Tomjanovich had recovered from bladder cancer but was considered in good health when he took the job. However, the former Rockets coach said that the job sapped all of his strength.

'I went from this energetic, pumped-up guy to being sapped of a lot of energy,' Tomjanovich said. 'It just seems like I got deeper into not feeling good. Why this happened now and why my body couldn't take it, I do not have the answer.'

Rumors continued to persist that former Lakers coach Phil Jackson was being considered to replace Tomjanovich. However, general manager Mitch Kupchak indicated he hadn't spoken to Jackson in a number of months.