Back Spasms Stop Grant

Laker forward Horace Grant did not play Sunday against Miami because of back spasms and is questionable for Tuesday’s game in Seattle.

Team trainer Gary Vitti entered Grant’s Wilshire Boulevard apartment Sunday morning and found the power forward on all fours, knees on the floor and elbows on the bed, praying for relief, perhaps, and unable to move.

Grant’s balky back grabbed him earlier in the morning. He was able to reach the telephone to call for help, and a housekeeper let Vitti in through Grant’s front door.

After two hours of treatment, Grant was able to walk, but far too stiff to play, or even come to the arena. Grant, 35, also sat out a game at Phoenix on Dec. 28 because of back spasms, an ailment that periodically bothers him.

By early Sunday evening, Grant was improved, according to a team official.

The Lakers considered putting Grant on injured reserve last week. Instead, they placed Slava Medvedenko on injured reserve and activated small forward Devean George, leaving them short on the front line. Medvedenko must sit out at least five games before returning.

Mark Madsen started for Grant. Robert Horry played 31 minutes, well above his season average.

Without Grant, the Lakers were less equipped to handle Anthony Mason, who scored 23 points, and Brian Grant, who scored 14.

“Grant is an excellent defender,” Kobe Bryant said. “We could have used him tonight, especially on Mason. He did an excellent job in Miami on Mason and on Brian Grant. So, we missed him tonight.”

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At some point in a season, even an NBA season and even before the playoffs begin, a team becomes what it will be. After 39 games, the Lakers are staying reasonably close to Sacramento and Portland in the Pacific Division, but playing well below their own standards.

“The only time you get concerned is when one of your big guns goes down with an injury,” Horry said. “Right now, we have to find some way to put together some defense.

“OK, it’s a concern. But, you don’t let it bother you. You have to keep going and try to figure it out along the way. Hopefully, we will.”

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Miami had lost six consecutive games over seven seasons to the Lakers in Los Angeles.

“I think the team wanted to prove something to themselves today,” Heat Coach Pat Riley said. “The Lakers are tough to beat here. We haven’t won here in a long time. We came committed as a team. We had all four of our good players--the ones we rely on--play well.”

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The Lakers lost for the second time this season when Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal each score at least 30 points. . . . Long-time Laker A.C. Green received a standing ovation during a brief pregame ceremony in which he was honored for his part in last season’s NBA championship.