Proud father Bryant misses Lakers practice

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

EL SEGUNDO, California (Reuters) – Life could hardly be
much better for Kobe Bryant, who was a notable absentee from
Los Angeles Lakers practice Monday following the birth of his
second child.

Bryant, whose jumper on the buzzer lifted the Lakers to a
dramatic 99-98 overtime win and 3-1 lead in their first-round
playoff series with the Phoenix Suns Sunday, will rejoin his
team mates in Phoenix on Tuesday.

“I told him not to worry about that, to come when he can
and get the rest he needs,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson told
reporters at the team’s El Segundo training facility.

“Hopefully he’ll get there tonight. If not, he’ll shoot
around tomorrow.”

Bryant’s wife Vanessa gave birth to a daughter earlier on
Monday.

“The arrival of our new daughter Gianna early this morning
is such an incredible blessing for me and my family,” husband
Bryant, 27, said in a statement.

“We are all full of beautiful emotions after such an
incredible day.”

The birth of a second daughter for Bryant took place within
hours of his remarkable role in the Lakers’ come-from-behind
triumph over the Suns at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The Lakers guard produced two last-gasp baskets, the game
winner and an earlier effort with less than a second remaining
in regulation to level the scores at 90-90 and extend the
contest into overtime.

Both of Bryant’s dramatic interventions came after the
Lakers were able to poach the ball from Phoenix all-star guard
Steve Nash.

“After a game like he had yesterday, I told his people I’m
surprised he hasn’t named his child Victoria,” coach Jackson
added with a smile. “That had to be one special day for this
kid and we’re happy for him.

“The timing is right. He’ll have some rest but I’m sure
it’s not easy to sleep after all those things happen.”

Game Five of the best-of-seven series will be played
Tuesday night in Phoenix.