Bryant back in lineup for Lakers

Bryant, who is expected to start, suffered a sprained right ankle on January 13 against the Cavs and missed 14 games. LA went just 6-8 in his absence and slipped to eighth in the Western Conference standings.

The All-Star sustained the injury when he landed on the foot of Cleveland’s Ira Newble while battling for a rebound. Bryant had to be carried off the court and into the locker room.

In 34 games this season, Bryant is averaging 27.5 points, 6.6 assists and 6.3 rebounds per contest. He is second in the league in scoring, 2.2 points behind Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson.

To make room for Bryant on the roster, the Lakers placed rookie guard Tony Bobbitt on the injured list with a sprained ankle.