The Los Angeles Lakers have a slight hold on the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and they'll look to strengthen their hold when they host the visiting Memphis Grizzlies Friday night at 10:30 p.m. ET.
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Via ESPN:
Steve Nash could return from a hamstring issue for Friday night's home matchup hough, potentially easing the burden on the 34-year-old Bryant.
"I feel sore right now. My back is a little sore and my hamstrings are a little sore," Bryant said after recording his 19th career triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists while playing all but 56 seconds of Tuesday's 101-81 win over Dallas.
"... I just have to push through it a little bit right now. Hopefully we can get a game and get a little breathing room."
Los Angeles (38-35), which leads Utah by one-half game for the Western Conference's final playoff spot, has won three of four. Bryant also played more than 47 minutes of Saturday's 103-98 victory at Sacramento after Nash was injured early in that contest before sitting out Tuesday.
Metta World Peace also has been out after having surgery to repair a torn left meniscus.
Coach Mike D'Antoni said he needs to monitor Bryant's minutes due to the upcoming schedule. The Lakers face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon before a back-to-back -- Tuesday versus New Orleans and Wednesday at Portland.
Los Angeles then finishes with home games against Golden State, San Antonio and Houston.
