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Bryant listed as probable as Lakers host Hawks

Dec 8, 2006 - 2:58 PM Atlanta (8-9) at L.A. Lakers (12-6) 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Lakers would feel a lot better if they knew Kobe Bryant was feeling better.

Last season's scoring champion, Bryant once again will attempt to play through pain Friday when the Lakers host the Atlanta Hawks.

After spraining his right ankle Monday against the Indiana Pacers, Bryant managed to score 24 points for Los Angeles in Wednesday's 105-89 loss to the New Orleans Hornets.

Despite his limited mobility, Bryant made 10-of-17 shots in 37 minutes against New Orleans. The loss came six days after he scored a season-high 52 points on 19-of-26 shooting against the Utah Jazz.

Lamar Odom added 20 points and seven rebounds Wednesday for Los Angeles, which had its three-game winning streak snapped.

Atlanta has won three of its last five contests and is looking to return to the .500 mark.

Joe Johnson scored 27 points, Salim Stoudamire added 21 and Tyronn Lue 16 for Atlanta in Wednesday's 98-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers have won 13 of their last 16 home encounters against the Hawks. However, the teams have split their last 10 overall matchups.