SPORTS : Lakers’ Scott to Miss First 2 Finals Games

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. —  Starting Los Angeles Lakers guard Byron Scott will miss at least the first two games of the NBA finals because of a partially torn left hamstring, team doctor Robert Kerlan announced today.

Scott suffered the injury, which Kerlan described as “moderately severe,” while landing awkwardly during the club’s workout Monday at the Palace, site of tonight’s opening game of the best-of-seven series between the Lakers and Detroit Pistons.

Scott, a starter for the Lakers who averaged 19.9 points as the team won a record 11 straight playoff games to reach the NBA finals, will continue to receive treatment and will be reevaluated before Sunday’s third game of the finals at the Forum in Los Angeles.

According to a press release, Lakers Coach Pat Riley will make a decision about who will replace Scott in the starting lineup shortly before tonight’s game. A strong possibility is veteran Michael Cooper.