Ross again faces Bryant challenge

The Clippers play host to the Lakers on Wednesday night at Staples Center, so Quinton Ross expects to be busy again against Kobe Bryant.

Ross, the Clippers’ best defender, faces star perimeter players throughout the season, but Bryant is the best of the best, Ross said.

“As far as scoring that basketball goes, he’s in a different zone right now,” he said. “Right now, he’s a notch above everybody. It’s definitely different playing against that guy.”

Bryant scored at least 50 points in four consecutive games last month -- averaging 56.2 points -- and leads the league with an average of 31 points. Only Wilt Chamberlain had more 50-point games in a row than Bryant, accomplishing the feat in seven straight during the 1961-62 season.

“I don’t want to say that you’re at his mercy, but all you can try to do is be physical with him and make him work,” Ross said. “But he’s the type of cat who can go get 70 points in a game and make it look easy. Hopefully, he doesn’t have one of those nights on Wednesday.”

Of course, Ross won’t be on an island against Bryant.

Cuttino Mobley also has guarded Bryant in recent Clippers-Lakers games, and the Clippers are expected to double-team Bryant in an effort to keep him guessing.

“We try not to give him a steady diet of anything,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “He’s such a great player in his ability, and he has such a high IQ that, sooner or later, he figures out a way to burn you no matter what you’re doing.

“You always try to keep him somewhat off balance, be a little bit unpredictable in what you’re doing, and still read your situations correctly to give enough help on him. Then there are other times when you have to throw the kitchen sink at him because he’s just got it going so good.”

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An MRI exam of Sam Cassell’s back did not reveal damage, and he’s still sidelined indefinitely because of back spasms, Dunleavy said.

Cassell, 37, collapsed on the court in Saturday’s 99-86 victory over the Trail Blazers at Portland and might sit out the rest of the regular season.

“I might be done for a minute,” Cassell said. “Not for the year, but maybe until the playoffs start.”

jason.reid@latimes.com