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Bryant returns from ban as Lakers visit 76ers

Mar 9, 2007 - 4:30 PM LA Lakers (33-29) at Philadelphia (23-38) 7:00 pm EST

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - The last time Kobe Bryant came back from a suspension, he terrorized the Boston Celtics. This time, he has a chance to do the same in his home town.

Bryant returns from a one-game ban Friday to try to help the shorthanded Lakers snap out of a slump against the Philadelphia 76ers, who have won a season-high five straight games.

Bryant was suspended for the second time this season Wednesday and was forced to sit out a 110-90 loss at Milwaukee. The superstar guard was punished for hitting Minnesota guard Marko Jaric in the face with the follow-through of his shot.

The move looked eerily similar to a blow Bryant delivered to San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili on January 28. That also earned Bryant a one-game ban, and he returned with a vengeance, collecting 43 points and eight assists in a 111-98 win at Boston three days later.

Bryant played high school ball at Lower Merion High School outside Philadelphia. He was booed here in 2002, when he won All-Star Game MVP honors.

However, Bryant should have more than revenge on his mind. The Lakers have lost four straight games and still are without forwards Lamar Odom, Vladimir Radmanovic and Luke Walton due to injuries.

The 76ers actually are making a move in the Eastern Conference playoff race but still have a ways to go. They are 5 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot.

Philadelphia is 18-19 since trading superstar Allen Iverson and 14-12 since waiving forward Chris Webber. Leading the way has been swingman Andre Iguodala, who had his third triple-double of the season in Wednesday's 92-89 win over Seattle, collecting 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Iguodala likely will draw the defensive assignment on Bryant, who scored 35 points in a 104-94 home win over the Sixers on December 31.

Los Angeles has not swept Philadelphia since the 1999-2000 season.