Lakers hold final preseason practice

The Lakers held their final preseason practice Monday, once again without Kobe Bryant.

The Times’ Mike Bresnahan notes that Bryant’s status remains unknown for the opener. Coach Mike Brown maintains the All-Star guard is a game-time decision.

Forward Jordan Hill sat out practice as a precautionary measure. He suffered a back injury in the first game of the preseason but was able to participate in the team’s final two after extensive treatment.

Hill joined his teammates for the last moments of practice and then walked gingerly to the trainer’s room.

Brown noted that he expects Hill to be available Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

The team put in extra time working through end-game scenarios. Jodie Meeks ran with the first team, in case Bryant is unable to go.

Earl Clark was also back on the floor for what was his second day of contact practice since a groin injury knocked him out midway through preseason.

Clark went from limited treadmill work to quickly back on the floor, though it’s unclear quite where his minutes will come in the rotation.

Brown wasn’t sure whether Clark will be officially cleared for opening night.

Both Robert Sacre and Darius Johnson-Odom were at practice after the league’s roster deadline; neither has a guaranteed contract, but both have passed a major hurdle by getting to Oct. 30. It was a given for Sacre, but Johnson-Odom appeared to be on the bubble.

The Lakers will have shoot-around tomorrow to better prepare for the Mavericks, who are playing without Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman, who reportedly will miss the opener with a calf injury.

Veteran center Eddy Curry, whom the Mavericks recently claimed off waivers from the San Antonio Spurs, is expected to start at center, opposite Dwight Howard.

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You can email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.