Lakers’ Kobe Bryant to sit out last two preseason games

ONTARIO — Those in the Inland Empire and in Las Vegas hoping to catch a glimpse of Kobe Bryant are out of luck.

Bryant will miss the Lakers’ last two preseason games, including tonight against Portland in Ontario and against Sacramento on Friday in Las Vegas.

The Lakers says the 36-year-old Bryant have not suffered any injuries. But he will rest so he can feel fully charged for when the regular season starts next Tuesday against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center.

Lakers coach Byron Scott had originally planned to increase Bryant’s workload leading into the 2014-15 regular season. But Bryant logged a preseason-high 33 minutes in the Lakers’ 114-108 preseason loss on Tuesday to the Phoenix Suns in Anaheim.

Bryant averaged 19 points on 38.4 percent shooting and four assists in 26.7 minutes per game through six exhibition contests.

Meanwhile, Lakers center Jordan Hill remains a game-time decision after suffering a cervical strain in the team’s preseason loss on Tuesday to Phoenix. Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson will make his first appearance after missing the past five contests because of a strained left calf muscle.


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