Lakers Say Worthy Is Uncertain for Tonight’s Game With Nets

The Lakers won’t decide until practice today whether James Worthy is healthy enough to play in tonight’s game against the New Jersey Nets.

Worthy has been receiving treatment since he was accidentally kneed in the groin during the first quarter of Wednesday night’s 90-81 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Laker trainer Gary Vitti said Worthy appears to be improved, but there is still concern about Worthy’s ability to move laterally and the possibility of a torn muscle.

If Worthy cannot play, Michael Cooper will start in his place against the Nets.

“Once we get Magic back, then James goes down,” Cooper said. “I guess it’s kind of like the flu bug, the way injuries are being spread around.”

Coach Dave Wohl’s Nets aren’t completely healthy either. Center Darryl Dawkins, who has missed six games with a pulled groin muscle, is definitely out, and guard Otis Birdsong is listed as probable because of a bruised right shin that has kept him out of New Jersey’s last two games.

Forward Mike O’Koren bruised his left knee in a 99-96 loss to Chicago Wednesday night, but he could be ready to play against the Lakers.

Laker Notes The Nets, who are 29-27, have lost 4 straight, 6 of 7 and 13 of 19. . . . For the record: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will tie Elvin Hayes’ NBA record of playing in 1,303 games tonight and will break it Sunday at Philadelphia. It was reported Thursday that he would tie the record Sunday. . . . The Lakers are 5-5 in their last 10 road games after starting the season 13-3. . . . Mike McGee scored 26 points to lead the Lakers to a 138-119 victory over the Nets at the Forum Nov. 17. That was the only meeting of the teams this season.