Bryant Trying to Regain Spark

Maybe this star-in-the-making business isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Kobe Bryant went to New York a week ago for All-Star weekend, accepted the media crush as part of the deal that goes with wanting greatness, was trotted around by a league obviously eager to promote his game and personality, and then never returned. In the two games since, clearly worn down, he has appeared mostly lethargic and lacking his usual offensive spark.

“I think it just took it’s toll on him,” Coach Del Harris said. “Obviously he can play better than he has the last two games.”

Tuesday at Portland was bad for the first three quarters, before Bryant warmed in the fourth, and Wednesday against the Warriors resulted in only 11 points. Thursday brought an off-day, for which he was grateful.

“I just have to push through it, learn how to play with basically no energy,” Bryant said.

TONIGHT

Los Angeles vs. Seattle

* 7:30

* Fox Sports

West

Site--Great Western Forum.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 35-12, SuperSonics 38-11.

Record vs. SuperSonics--0-1.

Update--The Lakers hope all-star Eddie Jones will return tonight after missing the previous two games because of flu and a sinus infection. Coming not long after a strained hip forced out Nick Van Exel, that means the starting backcourt has been together only once in the last five games.