Bryant Skips Practice to Rest Knee

Bothered again by tendinitis in his right knee, Laker guard Kobe Bryant did not practice with the club Wednesday in El Segundo.

It was unclear if he would play tonight at Phoenix, the Lakers’ final exhibition game. The regular season opens in five days.

“It’s a day-to-day thing,� Laker Coach Phil Jackson said. “He’ll be OK, I’m sure.�

Bryant receives daily treatment on the knee. According to a club official, the knee problem does not yet warrant further tests.

Forward Horace Grant, who has a sprained right thumb, practiced Wednesday and apparently will be available against the Suns.

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Bryant is adding a structure to the property of his Pacific Palisades home that will house, among other amenities, a basketball court, weight room and small movie theater.

Because it is being constructed on a hillside, the building has meant huge cost overruns and bigger headaches.

“It’s a mess, man,� Bryant said. “But, it’s going to look beautiful when it’s done.�

The best part?

“Now I’ll never have to sneak into a movie theater again,� he said, laughing. “Oh, I’m good for that, real good for that, popping into the movie theater, watching the flick, popping out.�

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Bryant said he continues to hear criticism of his intention to marry Vanessa Laine, fresh out of high school.

“You know what’s funny?,� he said. “People say, ‘What are you doing marrying an 18-year-old?’ I’m like, ‘Hey, in L.A., you have 50-year-old men marrying 17-year-olds.’ What’s the difference?�

Bryant, who turned 22 in August, said the wedding would take place during the NBA season.

“It’s an amazing relationship,� Bryant said. “We’re like best friends. We just happen to be totally in love with each other.�

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Shaquille O’Neal has done much to ease the NBA transition of rookie Mark Madsen and maybe someday Madsen will be in a position to return the favor. Shaq’s contract is big, but not forever.

“I like Mad Dog,� O’Neal said recently. “Great player. Great guy. He’s next in line to be general manager of the Lakers.�

Now, O’Neal speaks softly. So, you lean in, figuring you missed something.

What?

“He’s next in line to be general manager of the Lakers.�

Who?

“Madsen.�

Why?

“He’s just that type of guy. You know, jolly, bouncy.�

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Jackson said he would play his regulars more against Phoenix tonight. The Lakers open the regular season Tuesday in Portland.

“More than likely, I’ll play some of the major players on our team down the stretch,� he said.

Unhappy with the team’s emotional level against Sacramento on Monday night in Las Vegas, and with the offensive execution during most other exhibitions, Jackson appeared pleased to have one more dress rehearsal.

“It’s good,� he said. “Phoenix is a good team, an active, pressuring basketball club with speed. It’s a good game for us. It’s an opponent much like a Sacramento. You gotta get down and play some defense individually.�

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The Lakers waived veteran guard Emanual Davis. Of the four players who came from Seattle in the trade that cost the Lakers Glen Rice, Travis Knight and a first-round draft choice, only Horace Grant and Greg Foster remain. In seven exhibition games, Davis, who suffered from severe headaches, averaged 2.9 points. Fifteen players remain to fit in the 12 roster and two injured-list spots.