Kobe may not be ready for opener

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Bryant plans to play despite pain in knee

By Ross Siler Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES - The questions about his availability for the Lakers' season opener have grown so inevitable, Kobe Bryant joked Saturday about talking to reporters while wearing a shirt with a daily update on his right knee.

There has been no decision made about whether or not Bryant will play Tuesday against Phoenix at Staples Center, although there were clues on both sides with a little more than 72 hours to go until tipoff.

Described as the "irreplaceable part" by coach Phil Jackson, Bryant went through the first 90 minutes of practice, reported soreness in the knee, and watched from the sidelines as his teammates finished without him.

"We'll just take it day by day," Bryant said. "It's kind of frustrating because every day it kind of varies."

Not soon after, Jackson revealed that Bryant has told him he intends to play Tuesday. And Jackson said he would defer to Bryant in making that decision after talking with the training staff.

"He felt like he could get that done," Jackson said. "I just feel I have to let him have his (say) on this."

The Lakers have listed Bryant as questionable to doubtful, though Jackson described that as being a "disclaimer."

Jackson has targeted the third week of November, when the Lakers have a four-day break in games, for welcoming back centers Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm from injuries and moving forward with a core unit the rest of the season.
Jackson said he will be able to coach in Tuesday's opener, although he did not sound optimistic about making the trip for Wednesday's game at Golden State.

"I don't know about that," said Jackson, who underwent hip-replacement surgery Oct. 3 and continues to walk with a cane.

"I'm still having a little bit of trouble getting a shoe on and a sock on that one leg.

"But my therapy's coming along great. The last week I've made giant strides. So in three days, I could be in a position where I feel much more comfortable."

Assistant coach Kurt Rambis would fill in if Jackson did not feel comfortable enough to travel.

The Lakers practiced Saturday at Staples Center to get used to a special lighting system they will debut Tuesday. The lighting is designed to draw more attention to the floor and bring a feel to the game like the old Forum.

"It puts the focus on the court," Bryant said. "It gives it more of a magical feel, more energy, more intensity."

Tim Harris, the Lakers' senior vice president for business operations, said owner Jerry Buss has wanted the change for years.

Jackson added that he liked the "stage presence" the lights helped create.

The Lakers would consider making a permanent change if fan feedback supports the new lights.

Vladimir Radmanovic said his injured shooting hand has forced him to change his entire game.

"I'm just trying to pretend like I was never a shooter, and it's really hard," Radmanovic said. "Your muscles have a memory. You don't even think when you get on the court.."

[Citizen-Y]

Bryant plans to play despite pain in knee

By Ross Siler Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES - The questions about his availability for the Lakers' season opener have grown so inevitable, Kobe Bryant joked Saturday about talking to reporters while wearing a shirt with a daily update on his right knee.

There has been no decision made about whether or not Bryant will play Tuesday against Phoenix at Staples Center, although there were clues on both sides with a little more than 72 hours to go until tipoff.

Described as the "irreplaceable part" by coach Phil Jackson, Bryant went through the first 90 minutes of practice, reported soreness in the knee, and watched from the sidelines as his teammates finished without him.

"We'll just take it day by day," Bryant said. "It's kind of frustrating because every day it kind of varies."

Not soon after, Jackson revealed that Bryant has told him he intends to play Tuesday. And Jackson said he would defer to Bryant in making that decision after talking with the training staff.

"He felt like he could get that done," Jackson said. "I just feel I have to let him have his (say) on this."

The Lakers have listed Bryant as questionable to doubtful, though Jackson described that as being a "disclaimer."

Jackson has targeted the third week of November, when the Lakers have a four-day break in games, for welcoming back centers Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm from injuries and moving forward with a core unit the rest of the season.
Jackson said he will be able to coach in Tuesday's opener, although he did not sound optimistic about making the trip for Wednesday's game at Golden State.

"I don't know about that," said Jackson, who underwent hip-replacement surgery Oct. 3 and continues to walk with a cane.

"I'm still having a little bit of trouble getting a shoe on and a sock on that one leg.

"But my therapy's coming along great. The last week I've made giant strides. So in three days, I could be in a position where I feel much more comfortable."

Assistant coach Kurt Rambis would fill in if Jackson did not feel comfortable enough to travel.

The Lakers practiced Saturday at Staples Center to get used to a special lighting system they will debut Tuesday. The lighting is designed to draw more attention to the floor and bring a feel to the game like the old Forum.

"It puts the focus on the court," Bryant said. "It gives it more of a magical feel, more energy, more intensity."

Tim Harris, the Lakers' senior vice president for business operations, said owner Jerry Buss has wanted the change for years.

Jackson added that he liked the "stage presence" the lights helped create.

The Lakers would consider making a permanent change if fan feedback supports the new lights.

Vladimir Radmanovic said his injured shooting hand has forced him to change his entire game.

"I'm just trying to pretend like I was never a shooter, and it's really hard," Radmanovic said. "Your muscles have a memory. You don't even think when you get on the court.."

[PLANT]

LOL^^

[WILL-I-DIE]

If he not ready dont rush him.

["THE" MoSav]

^^A rise? Your opinion is just stupid, that's all...

how is my opinion of the Lakers losing if Kobe was out stupid? 

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

^^You said "0-1 either way"...I know you blaze, but your memory can't be THAT defunct.

["THE" MoSav]

^^You said "0-1 either way"...I know you blaze, but your memory can't be THAT defunct.

LOL...i know what i said.
I just think the suns are better, is that so hard for you to believe? Its my opinion

[Sanford - V. President of the Dangerous Crew Movement]

i wonder what hes givin the thumbs up too, proly a white bitch with some big azz titttties.

[rik]

He's playin tonight and we will get the win.

["THE" MoSav]

He's playin tonight and we will get the win.

u got 5 on it?

[rik]

He's playin tonight and we will get the win.

u got 5 on it?

Sure how am I goin to get payed though?

["THE" MoSav]

He's playin tonight and we will get the win.

u got 5 on it?

Sure how am I goin to get payed though?

go bet online
www.sportsinteraction.com

[Stone Cold is Bout It, Bout It]

he better play..or 0-1

actually 0-1 either way 

stupid piece of shit!!!   

[R-Tistic]

OH YES!!!! Great win without Kobe!!!!!!! Bynum is the fuuuuuture!!

[Don Jacob]

hopefully we can keep this shit up, we can't keep playing from behind like this though