Kobe Bryant will play in exhibition

LAKERS FYI

His knee injury heals enough for him to play against Oklahoma City. Vujacic also will play.

Kobe Bryant will play tonight against Oklahoma City after sitting out Thursday night's exhibition game because of a hyperextended right knee.

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said he wouldn't play Bryant too often and would probably "just give him one run."

"Today, Kobe says it's close to 100%," Jackson said. "Not quite there yet, but he feels really good and wants to play. He wants to keep his shooting touch."

Bryant was injured in the second quarter of Tuesday's game against Charlotte after banging knees with teammate Josh Powell.

Vujacic will play

Sasha Vujacic will play tonight for the first time after missing seven games because of an avulsion fracture in his left ankle.

Vujacic signed a three-year, $15-million contract during the off-season.

Bresnahan is a Times staff writer.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com


 
 
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