Kobe Bryant to play despite flu-like symptoms

The Lakers won’t be without their leader as they host the Pacers at the Staples Center Tuesday evening (10:30 PM EST). Kobe Bryant did not participate in morning shootaround due to flu-like symptoms but coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters 90 minutes before the game that Bryant will play.

Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Hill were already ruled out because of injuries.

Earlier Tuesday, Bryant described how he was feeling on his Facebook page:

“Laid up in bed.. I’m under the weather. Drinking a lot of fluids. Trying to shake the aches and chills thru rest, medicine and a lil Bob Marley on the speakers. Big game for us tonight.”

Bryant has played in all 14 games this season and he leads the NBA in scoring, averaging 26.9 points per game while shooting 51 percent. He has scored 30+ points in his last three games against the Pacers.

The Pacers have won their last two games against the Lakers.