Lakers Put Scott on Injured List, Activate Lester

Byron Scott, who has a slight tear in his left hamstring, was put on the injured list by the Lakers Wednesday. He will be out for at least a week and maybe longer.

The Lakers also activated point guard Ronnie Lester, whom Scott replaced on the injured list.

Scott cannot rejoin the Lakers from the injured list until he has missed a minimum of five games. He might be held out of two additional games, however, since the Lakers then have four days off, giving him more time to heal.

Scott, a three-year starter at shooting guard, injured himself in the first quarter of the Lakers’ 119-110 victory over Utah Tuesday night in the Forum when he leaped for a dunk shot.

Laker trainer Gary Vitti described the degree of Scott’s hamstring injury as moderate.

“It’s slightly torn,” Vitti said. “Strains are kind of tricky. If you push it too soon, it’s something that could nag you the rest of the season.”

Laker Coach Pat Riley said that Mike McGee will probably start in Scott’s absence, although Riley held out the chance that he may use Michael Cooper instead, but only for tonight’s game against Portland at the Forum.

“Mike McGee wants to play and he’s told everyone that,” Riley said. “Now he’s going to get his chance. I think he’ll do fine.”

Scott averaged 17.1 points in eight games.