LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant sat out a fourth straight game for the Lakers, missing Tuesday night’s contest against the Warriors.
“He checked out of this game, basically,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said about 90 minutes before tipoff. “He practiced (Monday) and was effective, but he didn’t try anything. He didn’t go to the basket, just helped run the team and helped keep things going in the right direction. But this morning, he said he just didn’t feel it, and he didn’t have any strength back in the leg to really be explosive. But he didn’t say anything about discomfort at all.”
Bryant’s availability for Thursday night’s rematch with the Celtics also remains in doubt.
“It’s purely up to him,” Jackson said. “When he’s ready to play, we’ll encourage him to play.”
Bryant hasn’t played since Feb. 5, when he aggravated a sprained left ankle.
Pacers’ Foster undergoes surgery
INDIANAPOLIS — Pacers center Jeff Foster will miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp this fall.
