By Tony Ciniglio
Los Angeles Daily News
So Kobe Bryant is expected to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, preserving the Kobe Bryant-LeBron James showdown.
The Lakers are also expecting to have other reinforcements.
Lakers forward Jordan Hill, who hyperextended his knee against Miami on Tuesday, told reporters he was “feeling good” but was a little sore. He is listed as probable against Cleveland, seemingly escaping a more serious injury.
“He feels good. Said his knee is sore, but he did not have an MRI this morning, and that was a good sign,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. We’ll see if he can go through the walkthrough.”
Point guard Ronnie Price is also listed as probable for an elbow injury. Scott said Price had an MRI on his elbow and was waiting to hear from the medical staff.
The Lakers will need all hands on deck for a Cleveland Cavaliers team that has lost six straight games and seems to be struggling with a new coach and an all-star cast of players.
Remind anyone of the 2012-13 Lakers?
Byron Scott, a former Cavs coach, is not going to be reminiscing at all.
“They are a team coming here desperate for a win,” Scott said. “They’ve lost six straight. LeBron played the other night. They’re hungry for a win.
“Everyone is a little surprised about them. But I don’t worry about that team. I’ve got my own problems. I’ve got one team on my mind. One organization. I don’t worry about anyone else.”