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Bryant feels fine after suffering hyper-extended knee

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-23 09:29

LOS ANGELES – National Basketball Association superstar Kobe Bryant will not see a doctor about his hyper-extended right knee and is feeling fine as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to open their season next week.

National Basketball Association superstar Kobe Bryant, pictured on October 12, will not see a doctor about his hyper-extended right knee and is feeling fine as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to open their season next week. [Agencies]

Bryant, last season's NBA Most Valuable Player, skipped Wednesday's Laker practice session to receive treatment on the knee, which he hurt Tuesday night in a 102-98 pre-season exhibition victory over Charlotte in nearby San Diego.

"Feels OK," Bryant said.

Originally the Lakers had said Bryant would have the knee examined on Wednesday, but after practice, the superb shooting guard said there were now no plans to see a doctor.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Bryant was "a little sore" but that Bryant "expects to play" Thursday when the Lakers meet the Bobcats again in Anaheim.

"If I'm good to go, I'll go. I don't see why not," Bryant said.

The Lakers open their season Tuesday at home against Portland and Bryant expects to play then as well.

"Should be fine," he said.

Bryant landed awkwardly after trying to grab a rebound with just over three minutes to play in the second quarter and was removed from the game. He did not return, finishing the night with four points.

Bryant said Wednesday that his biggest concern was when testing knee ligaments for possible damage but there was no swelling and no soreness when making those movements, leaving the veteran playmaker very relieved.