Weather Problems Delay Jackson, but Malone Unexcused

Laker Coach Phil Jackson, the coach of the Western Conference All-Star team, was a notable absentee at Friday’s mandatory interview sessions, but league officials said they understood his flight from L.A., along with many others, might have been delayed by rainy Bay Area weather.

Utah’s Karl Malone, however, was an unexcused absence, and probably will be fined the standard $10,000.

Among the others missing, all believed to be because of high winds and rain, were Clipper rookie Lamar Odom (playing in the rookie game), Laker guard Derek Fisher (participating in the 2ball competition), Houston’s Steve Francis and San Antonio’s David Robinson.

Asked about Jackson’s absence before the weather complications were known, Laker Shaquille O’Neal shrugged and said, “Did he take the fine? He’s going to take the fine?”

Did O’Neal, who has missed such media sessions in the past, consider skipping this one? “Did I think about it? Yeah, I did.”

Why did he come? “Because of my discipline. I decided to suck it up and come on out.”

*

Kobe Bryant, one of the stars of the new breed of NBA All-Star, along with Vince Carter, Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett, said there’s no extra pressure in the buildup about a passing of the torch, from the Michael Jordan-Malone era to this generation.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Bryant said. “We’ve all watched the NBA growing up. We’ve all seen Magic [Johnson] and Michael and [Larry] Bird and those guys. . . .

“To be talked about sort of in the same breath, as kind of following these guys and their legacy? That’s far from being a burden.”

This is Bryant’s second All-Star appearance, the first having been in his second season, when he wasn’t even starting for the Lakers.

Does he feel more like a seasoned veteran this time?

“So to speak,” Bryant said, with a grin. “But I’m still the youngest guy here.

“They treat me like one of the guys. . . . Even from the first All-Star game, they treated me like one of the guys. and that really made me feel comfortable.”

*

Bryant said he has had some second thoughts about his decision to bypass today’s slam-dunk contest--he won the last one in 1997--but knows it was the right thing to do.

“I’m focused on what I have to do with this team--it’s important,” Bryant said. “I’ve talked with Phil about it a couple times.

“I’m kind of relaxing this week. I have other commitments I have to honor [including a live telecast of his and Tyra Banks’ performance of his new rap single, “K.O.B.E.”], but for the most part I’m just going to be relaxing, kicking my feet up and relaxing.”

*

Charlotte’s Eddie Jones said being voted into the starting lineup this year after reserve appearances as a Laker in 1997-98 was nice, but not as special as showing he could make the All-Star squad with two different teams.

“It was very important, because I wanted to show I was consistent every year, by doing something and achieving something,” Jones said.

“A lot of players go to another team, and they don’t keep on that same pace. And I did.

“Whether the fans voted me in or the coaches, it showed me that I’m a consistent player. . . .

“[Being voted a starter] means that the fans are showing me a lot of love, they respect my game more so than they did in Los Angeles.

“I wouldn’t say they didn’t respect my game in Los Angeles, but they’re showing me a lot more love, seeing me on a Charlotte team where I’m really showing my skills more.”

Around the League

The Boston Celtics rescinded the trade that sent Danny Fortson to the Toronto Raptors, saying Alvin Williams failed a physical. Celtic spokesman Jeff Twiss said he does not know why Williams failed the physical. . . . Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said he watching negotiations between the Rockets and the city of Houston that could result in the team moving elsewhere, possibly Las Vegas. “I think it’s a great franchise,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.