Kobe Bryant to be on the court for Lakers-Jazz playoff game
The star, recovering from back spasms, takes part in practice. 'He's OK,' the coach says.
Kobe Bryant took part in the Lakers team shoot-around today and will play tonight, as expected, against the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal playoff series at the Staples Center.
"He took some shots from the side. He looked good," Lakers forward Lamar Odom said about Bryant.
Bryant, who had lower-back spasms Sunday in Game 4, did not speak to reporters today at the team's training facility in El Segundo.
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said, "He's OK. He got out here early before we even had shooting practice and worked on his shot before we started."
Bryant missed practice Monday and Tuesday while he was undergoing treatment on his back.
Tip-off for tonight's game is 7:30 p.m.
mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
