LOS ANGELES -- Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is still recovering from offseason arthroscopic right knee surgery and has practiced on a limited basis since the start of training camp. But that doesn't mean he's a definite scratch for Monday's exhibition game in London.
According to coach Phil Jackson, the English could very well get a live look at the superstar, albeit on a limited basis.
"The reality is we want him to be out there on the court. We'd love for him to be out there on the court and play. Whether it's 6-8 minute run, or whether it's two of them, like 16 minutes in a 48-minute game," Jackson said.
Bryant raised no objections when told of Jackson's plans, labeling the projected playing time "realistic." The guard has been famously conscientious throughout his career of playing whenever possible, having at one point carried a streak of 235 consecutive games.
"It's all about whether I can perform or not," explained Bryant. "We'll see. I've always been very adamant about not missing games, because people spend their hard earned money to come watch me play. I wanna make sure to go out there and play."
Bryant also expressed no concerns about how his body would react to the long plane flight.
"I'm past that stage, as far as that's concerned," said Bryant.
The Lakers will also play a game in Barcelona next Thursday.
Small forwards Matt Barnes and Luke Walton each suffered respective minor strains of their left and right hamstrings. Both are labeled day-to-day and neither injury is considered serious.
The Lakers waived guard Anthony Roberson and center Russell Hicks, the latter of whom played three seasons at Pepperdine from 2004-06. Both were considered longshots to make the team.
Andrew Kamenetzky writes for the Land O' Lakers blog on ESPNLosAngeles.com.