Bryant’s Injury Gives Rookie a Surprising Shot at Playing

After practice at L.A. Southwest College on Monday, Kobe Bryant swished left-handed, 22-foot jump shots but otherwise is out of action for at least five more weeks because of a broken right hand, his normal shooting hand.

Rick Fox can’t completely replace Bryant in the lineup because he’s also the backup small forward.

And because Ron Harper’s right knee has swelled up at times in practice, he can’t go full time with the starting unit.

So, guess who got some surprising time working with the first unit--Devean George, the athletic 6-foot-8 No. 1 pick who disappointed the Laker brass during the summer, but suddenly has a chance to show the coaches he can handle life in the NBA at either guard spot.

Laker officials were frustrated with George’s tentative play in the summer league, and observers wondered if, coming from Division III--Augsburg, in Minneapolis--and having to learn the nuances of the triangle offense, he would be better off sitting on the bench for a season or two.

But, after a sharper showing in training camp, and Bryant’s injury, the long-armed George has reappeared on the radar screen.

“I think now I’ve got a chance to get a little more playing time than probably what they had in mind for me,” George said.

“I think I’m doing some of the things that they’re looking for their big guard to do, handling the ball, taking open shots and setting other people up, and playing defense, as well, that’s one of the most important things. . . .

“I know the offense a little better. I’m not thinking so much when I’m out there. It’s almost coming natural within the offense. I’m doing some of the things they want us to do.

“This summer, it wasn’t natural at all.”

Said Laker assistant coach Jim Cleamons: “He’s tall, he’s lean, he’s athletic, he can shoot the ball with rhythm. He just has to begin to understand the pro game and where his niches are.”

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The Lakers cut forward Gerald Jordan, and Coach Phil Jackson said he might make another cut sometime before tonight’s exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors in San Diego, which would reduce the roster to 16 players.