Kobe Bryant has stomach illness but will play against Magic in finals rematch

Bryant has stomach illness, will play vs. Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. — Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has a stomach illness but is expected to play against the Orlando Magic.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson said before Sunday’s game that Bryant would likely play despite being a little late to the game because of the illness. Bryant was not in the locker room while it was open to the media.

It was unclear how Bryant contracted the illness, although Jackson speculated that the All-Star likely ate something that didn’t sit well.

The Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference. They are trying to avoid three straight losses for the first time since acquiring All-Star forward Pau Gasol in February 2008.