Kobe Bryant likely to play Friday against San Antonio [Web links]

Game stories

--The Times’ Mike Bresnahan mentions Kobe Bryant worked out before the Lakers’ 99-87 victory Wednesday over the Golden State Warriors. It included dozens of shots, full-speed running and jumping exercises, and he didn’t feel pain in his sore left shin. Because of that, Bryant plans to play Friday against San Antonio so long as he doesn’t feel any discomfort Thursday.

--The Orange County Register’s Kevin Ding credits the Lakers for using their inside presence against the Warriors.

--The Daily News’ Elliott Teaford focuses on Pau Gasol’s triple-double performance against Golden State.

Notebooks

--The Times’ Bresnahan explains the Lakers’ mindset on wanting the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference.

--The Orange County Register’s Ding and The Daily News’ Teaford focus on Bryant’s possible return.

Sidebars

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin mentions that Pau Gasol plans to make sure he continues establishing post position during Bryant’s return.

--The Orange County Register’s Ding outlines what it’s like to cover the Lakers.

--The San Francisco Chronicle’s Rusty Simmons and the San Jose Mercury News’ Marcus Thompson II explains how Stephen Curry is handling missing the rest of the season.

--Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears mentions it’s possible Bryant will sit out in the season finale next week against the Sacramento Kings to get ready for the playoffs.

Columns

--Sheridan Hoops’ Mark Heisler has a must-read column on how Bryant has matured this season.

Blogs

--ESPN Los Angeles’ Andy Kamenetzky breaks down the Lakers’ win over Golden State.

--Lakers.com’s Mike Trudell provides a running diary of the Lakers-Warriors game.

--Forum Blue and Gold’s J.M. Poulard breaks down the good, bad and ugly in the Lakers-Warriors game.

--Silver Screen and Roll’s C.A. Clark wonders if Metta World Peace can sustain his strong play when Bryant returns.

Tweet of the Day: “Will Kobe play Friday against the Spurs? “Why not? I’m good,” he said. Could he go all 48 mins if needed? “If I have to.”” -- Mike_Bresnahan (L.A. Times Lakers beat reporter Mike Bresnahan)