As the Los Angeles Lakers try for their 10th win in 11 games, against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center, it is still not known whether or not the Lakers will have Kobe Bryant tonight. Bryant sprained his left ankle on Saturday in Dallas, but has improved to the point where Phil Jackson said this morning that Bryant's ankle felt "much better," per Mike Trudell of NBA.com.
However, Bryant remains a game-time decision, however, so we likely won't know until within an hour of game time whether or not he is in the lineup. If Bryant doesn't start tonight, Shannon Brown would likely start in his place. Still, it seems likely that Bryant will play tonight, even though a day off would essentially allow him five days of rest, between Saturday's game and Friday's game against Minnesota.Bryant has started all 67 games so far this season.
Here are the probable starting lineups for tonight's game:
Magic (42-25)
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Point Guard: Jameer Nelson
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Shooting Guard: Jason Richardson
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Small Forward: Hedo Turkoglu
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Power Forward: Brandon Bass
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Center: Dwight Howard
Lakers (47-20)
- Point Guard: Derek Fisher
- Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant
- Small Forward: Ron Artest
- Power Forward: Pau Gasol
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Center: Andrew Bynum
For more news and information on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.