Bryant Says He’s Ready to Return

Kobe Bryant, who recently ditched his hand splint, went through a brisk workout before Monday’s game, handed his practice jersey to a fan, then made it very clear that, if it were up to him, he would be back in the Laker lineup much earlier than previously expected.

“I feel like I’m ready, to be completely and totally honest with you,” said Bryant, who broke a bone in his right hand Oct. 13.

“I feel as if I could go out there and play right now. Obviously, your ligaments are not going to be what they used to be yet, because they were in the cast so long. But as far as the bone in my hand, I don’t feel anything.”

Bryant has an appointment with team physician Stephen Lombardo on Wednesday morning, but says he has passed every test he has given himself.

“Just by shooting, I felt like my touch was there,” Bryant said. “And then when I picked up the basketball one-handed and started palming it, it felt pretty good. It felt like the strength was coming back.

“I could go right now. I would have no problem going right now and guarding Jason [Kidd], no problem at all.”

Said Coach Phil Jackson, “I can’t comment on anything but to say that he feels he’s very close to being ready. It’s just the doctor’s approval now.”

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The Lakers activated rookie guard John Celestand and put Tyronn Lue, who has been suffering from soreness in his right knee, on the injured list. Lue must sit out at least five games.

No. 1 pick Devean George did not suit up after experiencing flu symptoms earlier Monday.

Jackson, meanwhile, said the Lakers are not immediately interested in acquiring power forward Armen Gilliam, who was waived by the Orlando Magic.

“If he was a player the other way around, if he played defense and rebounded like he plays offense and posts up, I definitely would be interested in Armen Gilliam,” Jackson said.

“He’s kind of converse to exactly what we need. We need a plugger in the lane and we need a guy to rebound.”