Maybe the same magic that is working for Lakers coach Phil Jackson will sprinkle down on Nuggets coach George Karl.

As many know, Zen Master Phil got a hip replacement in 2006, his bones worn by 12 years of banging behemoths in the NBA. Guess they don’t replace elbows. At least it was an upgrade to stop his Frankenstein-like lumbering gait. And now, less than two years later, the Lakers are set to begin the Western Conference Finals, favored to win the whole championship.

So back to curious George, recovering here from yesterday's left hip replacement surgery at Rose Medical Center. The 57-year-old coach, who some thought might limp out of town after watching his group bow meekly in the first round of playoffs again, has promised to take a tougher stance next year. After all, it's only his fifth with the team. According to the Nuggets, the two-hour surgery by Dr. Hal Crane went well, and Karl could be walking without a cane in 10 days. So eventually, his stance can be firm.

Of course, no surgery is without risk, but odds are that Karl will be fine, and certainly a lot better than before, when he labored off his seat to glare at his errant players. And Karl is also no stranger to recovery, having progressed from prostate cancer surgery nearly three years ago, so he’ll probably be diligent in rehab.

Still, without his hip as an excuse any longer, the pained expression on Karl’s face can mean only he doesn’t like what he sees: A.I. dribbling so long the ball's cover frays, Carmelo Anthony squinting at the ceiling as his man streaks past or Nene commandeering an entire tray of cotton candy from a startled vendor.

Certainly, Jackson had a leg up on Karl, so to speak, in the championship realm, having pocketed six alone with Michael Jordan and the Bulls before adding hardware in L.A. Who knows? Maybe there is connection between getting spry and going for the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy.

But in the interest of ensuring that the team succeeds next year, I thought the Nuggets leader might want to max out on Stan Kroenke’s health insurance, and try some other elective operations.

He could:

                Have Lasik to allow him to better glare at Melo and A.I.
                Get a hair transplant, so he looks more like Pat Riley, oozing authority.
                Have extensive body art and fit in with his team, and win their trust.
                Undergo a tummy tuck, to set an example for Nene.
                Botox his lips, making it easier for him to mouth curses at refs.

Any other suggestions, e-mail denver@examiner.com.

Oh yeah, if all else fails, he can take up Zen.