EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Lakers fans can rest easy. Kobe Bryant’s right knee was a bit sore Wednesday, but the injury isn’t serious and it’s possible he won’t miss any playing time.
“I’m all right, a little bit better today, a better mood, anyway,” Bryant said after sitting out practice because of the hyperextended right knee he suffered Tuesday night in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 102-98 preseason victory over the Bobcats in San Diego.
Wearing an ice bag on his knee, Bryant said he felt a lot better about his injury Wednesday morning.
“There was no swelling,” he said. “At that point, I knew I was OK. Some injuries can go either way. You’ve got to get lucky. I didn’t sleep much, to be honest with you. Just moving it around, seeing if it was all right. These type of injuries kind of sneak up on you.”
Bryant, the reigning NBA MVP, was injured under the Lakers’ basket when he banged knees with teammate Josh Powell while going for a rebound. He immediately signaled to the bench that he was hurt, and a timeout was called. Bryant then sat at the end of the bench before walking to the locker room, and didn’t return for the second half.
“I saw the ring flash before my eyes,” Bryant said. “I was pretty worried. That’s the scariest part, sitting there for five or 10 minutes, seeing what’s going to develop.”
Bryant, examined Wednesday by trainer Gary Vitti, won’t see a doctor or have an MRI. He said he hopes to play tonight when the Lakers face the Bobcats again, this time in Anaheim, Calif.
“If I can go, I can go,” Bryant said. “It’s all good.”
Also, the Lakers requested waivers on guard Joe Crawford and forward CJ Giles.
Jazz waives two forwards
SALT LAKE CITY — The Jazz requested waivers on forwards Kevin Lyde and Gabe Muoneke. The Associated Press
