Kobe Bryant will play today against the Portland Trail Blazers after sitting out the last two games because of swelling in his right knee. He was dressed in his uniform when reporters entered the locker room for the pregame access period this morning. … Lamar Odom was a late arrival, reportedly because of heavy traffic. … Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he planned to play his regular rotations and would not go easy on the Trail Blazers, who are locked in a battle with Oklahoma City and San Antonio for sixth place in the Western Conference. … A Lakers victory today would be a damaging blow to the Trail Blazers, who hope to avoid falling to eighth and playing the defending champs in the first round.