Kobe Bryant misses shoot-around because of flu-like symptoms

DENVER -- Kobe Bryant was not at the Lakers’ shoot-around Thursday morning because of intestinal flu-like symptoms, the Lakers said.

The Lakers play the Nuggets at 7:30 p.m. PDT tonight in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.

“If I were a betting guy, which I’m not, I would probably bet that he would play,” Lakers Coach Mike Brown said.

Bryant had 43 points Tuesday but the Lakers lost to Denver in Game 5, 102-99. The Lakers lead the series, 3-2.

Bryant is averaging 31.2 points in the series but shooting 42.9%, slightly below his career playoff shooting percentage of 44.8%.

“We will have an update on his condition 90 minutes before tip-off,” Lakers publicist John Black said.

In the unlikely event Bryant can’t play, Matt Barnes or Steve Blake would join the starting lineup.

Barnes is averaging five points this series and has made two of 20 three-point attempts.

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