Suddenly, no rush for Bryant

Now that the Lakers are 2-0, all eyes turn back toward Kobe Bryant’s right knee.

Or do they?

The Lakers have done a good job without Bryant, who is almost into his 17th week since having arthroscopic surgery. Instead of being run over by the Phoenix Suns and nicked up by Nellie Ball, the Lakers are averaging 112 points a game

With results like that, Bryant can afford to hurry up and wait.

“Hopefully we can keep winning games to buy him some time, so he can get his knee ready and be 100%, instead of 80 or 85,” Lakers forward Lamar Odom said.

Bryant might play tonight against Seattle and one-time rival Ray Allen, who called Bryant selfish two seasons ago after Bryant glowered at him in an exhibition game. (They have since made up.)

Or Bryant, listed as day-to-day, might wait until Sunday’s rematch in Seattle.

He certainly wants to play now -- “If I don’t feel ouchy, I won’t be grouchy,” he said Thursday -- and he had a decent workout in a light practice with the team.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Bryant said. “I had a good practice, felt pretty good, felt pretty live.”

Lively enough to play? Coach Phil Jackson offered up a one-liner when asked if Bryant could take his time coming back.

“I would suppose, but then there’s always the Wally Pipp theory,” he said dryly, pausing a beat. “I probably wouldn’t use that with Kobe Bryant.”

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The “Lights Out” campaign has been given the green light.

The temporary lighting system that flooded the court in the home opener will be used tonight and at all remaining Lakers home games, with the exception of one or two that conflict with concerts at Staples Center. The Lakers wanted to gauge player and fan reaction before committing to an entire season.

“Given the overwhelming response of people who wanted it, we’re going to keep the temporary system in place while a permanent system is designed and built,” said Tim Harris, Lakers senior vice president of business operations. “During that interim time, there may be a game or two where we have to play under the old lighting system due to technical difficulties.”

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After struggling to pick up the intricacies of the triangle offense last season, Odom is averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds and 7.5 assists in two games.

“I think last season was kind of a taste test for him,” Bryant said.

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The Lakers’ roster could go 12 deep by the time everyone returns. “I don’t think I’ve ever been on a team since I’ve been in the league that did that,” Bryant said. “We’ve got some young, talented guys.”

TONIGHT

vs. Seattle, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 2-0; SuperSonics 0-1.

Record vs. SuperSonics (2005-06) -- 2-1.

Update -- The SuperSonics lost their home opener to lightly regarded Portland, 110-106, after allowing the Trail Blazers to shoot 54.8%.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com