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Proud father Bryant misses Lakers practice

Posted on: Monday, 1 May 2006, 20:12 CDT

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.

Source: REUTERS

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