Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant expects "with" game Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center, Coach Phil Jackson said after practice Saturday.Bryant, who did not speak to the media, was sitting the last two games because of swelling in his right knee. Bryant does not practice with the team Saturday, but have some shots and what Jackson called his "normal off-day activity" of icing and therapy.Jackson said he would not set a deadline for Bryant.

"It's how he feels, depends on it," Jackson said. "He can live very morning and feel good. We'll see how he plays. He obviously wants to compete in the game, so we'll see how it goes."Jackson and Bryant said of playing on the team flight back from Minneapolis on Friday night. "He said:" I have every intention to play. I just hope it progresses as it's going, '"Jackson said.
The Lakers are 5-2 in the games Bryant missed this season. They were 4-1 when Bryant sat out five games because of a sprained left ankle this season.