Bryant Says He’s Open to Criticism, Even if It’s From New Teammate

Kobe Bryant said Dennis Rodman’s harsh critique of his new Laker teammates--he said they “don’t know how to play basketball”--was welcome.

“It’s him trying to help the ballclub--that’s all it is,” Bryant said. “That’s what we want from him. We obviously have a lot of improvements to make and obviously Dennis is a key component to the puzzle.”

And if some of Rodman’s criticisms seem directed specifically at him?

“I don’t care. If somebody is going to say something negative toward my game, I’m going to evaluate it and I’m going to see if there’s truth to it and I’m going to improve my basketball game,” Bryant said.

“The way I look at it, whether it’s negative or positive about my game or about any player, it doesn’t matter. Because I’m going to get to where I need to go eventually.”

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Laker Coach Bill Bertka said it’s clear that Rodman, who is expected to play tonight after participating in only one light practice and two shoot-arounds, is ready to provide immediate help to the Lakers.

“He looks as fit as anybody,” Bertka said. “Obviously, the guy’s a remarkable athlete.”

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The Clippers may have suffered a major blow when second-year forward Maurice Taylor suffered a right knee injury in the third quarter against the Lakers Thursday.

Taylor, who has emerged as a bona fide scorer, had 20 of the Clippers’ 53 points when he went down on the baseline fighting for a rebound. His injury is listed as a sprain and he’s scheduled for an MRI test this morning and is doubtful for tonight’s game.

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Coach Chris Ford gave Sherman Douglas his first start at point guard in place of Darrick Martin, who had started the first nine games.

Douglas, who played the entire fourth quarter in the Clippers’ loss to Golden State on Tuesday, was on the floor for most of the first half Thursday while Martin, who has been playing 30 minutes per game, got in for five minutes over the first two quarters.

TONIGHT 7:30, Channel 9, Fox Sports West

* Site--Great Western Forum.

* Radio--KXTA (1150), KLAC (570)

* Records--Lakers 7-6, Clippers 0-10.

* Series record--Lakers lead, 1-0.

* Update--The Lakers have won 14 of the last 16 games against the Clippers, including a four-game sweep last season.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.