Kobe Bryant could be sidelined for Dallas Mavericks clash

The Los Angeles Lakers are not sure if Kobe Bryant is going to play in Tuesday's opener against the Dallas Mavericks.

Bryant is nursing a bruised and strained right foot. He did not make the trip to San Diego for the Lakers' final preseason game on Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings.

"He came in and got some treatment for his foot," coach Mike Brown said. "It didn't make sense for him to make the bus trip because he needs to elevate the foot. And the 2 1/2-hour ride down and back would not be good.

"I know he's hurt and I don't what exactly that means. I know he has a bruised foot, but I don't as for daily updates. He's a tough guy and one of the toughest guys I've ever been around."

Lakers center Dwight Howard was scheduled to play against the Kings. Howard is recovering from back surgery.