Archive for Tuesday, May 13, 2008

LAKERS REPORT

Lakers’ Kobe Bryant says he’ll play Wednesday

He describes his injured lower back as ‘sore, tight and stiff’ but vows to be ready for Game 5 at Staples Center against Utah. NBA coaches vote him to the all-defensive first team.

Kobe Bryant left no doubt after the Lakers’ practice today that he’ll be on the court Wednesday for Game 5 against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Bryant said his lower back, which he injured in Game 4 on Sunday in Salt Lake City, was “sore, tight and stiff.”

I’ll play [Wednesday]. I can’t imagine it’ll be any worse than it was last night. It was pretty bad,” he said.

Bryant will undergo round-the-clock treatment the next two days involving electrical stimulation, ice, heat, massage and stretching exercises.

I’d be surprised if he’s not capable of shooting,” Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. “I’m not concerned at all. I haven’t spent any time thinking about it. Either he’ll recover or he’ll not recover. I have to prepare this team to play.”

Bryant suffered a spasm in his lower back while taking a shot early in Game 4. The Jazz beat the Lakers in overtime, 123-115, to even their best-of-seven game series at two games apiece.

Bryant played 46 minutes Sunday and scored 33 points despite obvious back pain, but his movement was restricted and he missed 20 of 33 shots from the field. Bryant said he was limited in his ability to elevate after hurting his back.

He said he had no history of major back problems.

——

Bryant, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom did not scrimmage today.

——

Bryant and Boston forward Kevin Garnett received the most votes in the NBA’s all-defensive first team, the league announced today. Denver center Marcus Camby, San Antonio forward Tim Duncan and his teammate guard-forward Bruce Bowen made up the rest of the first team.

This is the eighth time that Bryant and the ninth time that Garnett have been selected for the NBA’s all-defensive team. Each received 24 first-place votes.

The voting was done by the NBA’s 30 head coaches, who were asked to pick the first and second teams by position. The coaches could not vote for their own players.

The NBA’s all-defensive second team consists of Houston forward Shane Battier, New Orleans guard Chris Paul, Orlando center Dwight Howard, Detroit forward Tayshaun Prince and Phoenix guard Raja Bell.

 steve.springer@latimes.com

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