Kobe Bryant will sit out the Lakers’ final two exhibition games for rest reasons, a team spokesman said Wednesday.
The Lakers play Wednesday against Portland in Ontario and Friday against Sacramento in Las Vegas.
Bryant, who played only six games last season, finished exhibition play with averages of 19 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 26.7 minutes. Also of note: Bryant shot only 39.6% over the six games as the Lakers went 2-4.
He gradually increased his playing time and also his aggressiveness around the basket, topping it off with 27 points in 34 minutes Tuesday in the Lakers’ 114-108 overtime loss to Phoenix. He made 10 of 20 shots in that game, with two assists and five turnovers.
The Lakers begin the regular season next Tuesday against Houston at Staples Center.
Starting center Jordan Hill has been bothered by a strained neck and also might sit Wednesday’s game. Rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson is expected to play after sitting out more than a week because of a strained calf muscle.
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