Bryant Likely to Sit Out Again

Laker guard Kobe Bryant, stricken by a viral infection, called in sick for a third consecutive day, missing Monday’s practice in El Segundo. He is questionable for tonight’s game against the Boston Celtics.

Bryant has sat out one game, Sunday night’s overtime loss to the Seattle SuperSonics.

Meantime, he continued to experience the same symptoms, including abdominal cramping and a general malaise. A Laker official who spoke to Bryant on Monday morning said he “sounded awful.”

“I’m not expecting him [Tuesday],” Laker Coach Phil Jackson said. “I’m expecting him to join this team for the trip East [on Wednesday].”

*

The NBA probably will announce today that it has fined Shaquille O’Neal for his criticism of referees after Sunday’s game. League officials said they were examining O’Neal’s comments.

O’Neal said a fine would not bother him.

“If I should be mad at anybody, it’s FICA,” he said, grinning. “FICA, income tax, sales tax, the David Stern tax.”

TONIGHT

vs. Boston Celtics

7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC-AM (570).

* Records--Lakers 41-21, Celtics 27-36.

* Record vs. Celtics (1999-2000)--2-0.

* Update--Paul Pierce (24.4 points a game) and Antoine Walker (23.3 points, 9.3 rebounds) lead the Celtics, chasing the Indiana Pacers for the last playoff spot in the East.

Tickets: (800) 462-2849.