Ailing Kobe Bryant starts vs. Bobcats

Updated: February 14, 2011, 9:31 PM ET
By Dave McMenamin | ESPNLosAngeles.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant missed shootaround Monday with symptoms that included body aches and chills, according to a team spokesman, but he was in the starting lineup for his team's game against the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night.

Bryant was the first player on the floor for the Lakers before the game, going through shooting drills.

"I'm good," Bryant said before the game. "I'm playing."

Bryant scored 20 points, but he missed 11 of his first 16 shots as the Lakers lost 109-89.

It was the sixth game of the Lakers' current seven-game road trip. Los Angeles is 4-1, losing Sunday in Orlando 89-75.

The Bobcats have now won eight of their last 10 meetings with the Lakers.

Dave McMenamin

ESPNLosAngeles.com
Dave McMenamin spent five seasons as a staff writer for NBA.com in New York and Los Angeles before joining ESPNLosAngeles.com to cover the Lakers and the NBA.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

EDITORS' PICKS

  • Play Ball
    After a rain delay, Matt Magill gets the start for the Dodgers against the Braves.
  • Reversal Of Fortune
    The Kings couldn't overcome an overtime power play and lose Game 3.
  • Forgotten Man
    Former Dodger outfielder Glenn Burke painfully paved the way for a gay professional athlete.
  • Never Forget Your First Love
    In his new book, Phil Jackson says Kobe couldn't match Michael Jordan's leadership.
  • Can They Compete?
    Can the Lakers compete for the West -- and a title -- with their current roster?

MORE NBA HEADLINES