For a few newer members of the New Orleans Pelicans, the last time they’ll face Kobe Bryant in the NBA will also be the only time they’re on the floor for significant minutes with the Hall of Fame guard. When Bryant and the Lakers visit the Pelicans tonight (7 p.m., Fox Sports New Orleans, WRNO 99.5 FM), New Orleans guard Tim Frazier will undoubtedly see more of the five-time NBA champion than he ever has. Frazier’s Portland Trail Blazers did face the Lakers three times early this season, but the most playing time Frazier logged in any game was just 5:13.
“I’m assuming tonight with the minutes, it will be the most minutes I see,” said Frazier, a March 16 call-up from the D-League. “But I was fortunate enough that we played him in Portland twice, and also in the preseason. I was able to watch him and see a little bit of his skill set, up close and in person. I’m excited to play tonight, be able to compete and go against one of the greatest.
“It’s going to be surreal being on the court, knowing that this is one of his last (four) games. I’m going to be a fan, as well as an opponent tonight.”
For other recent New Orleans additions such as James Ennis and Jordan Hamilton, this also should mark a rare opportunity of being on the court extensively vs. Bryant. Ennis has only played two previous games in which Bryant appeared, most recently seeing six minutes of action for Memphis on Feb. 24.
Other notes from shootaround:
Frazier twisted his ankle in Wednesday’s loss to Boston, but his name does not even appear in the injury report and he said is OK to play Friday: “I feel fine. I wouldn’t miss this game for sure.” …
Frazier, asked about his discussions with New Orleans (29-49) about his future here after playing so well since arriving: “We haven’t talked about that. I’m not ready to talk about that. We’ve got four games left. I just want to focus on that, getting four wins and trying to help the team in any way I can.” …
Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham often draws difficult defensive assignments, including having to guard New York’s Carmelo Anthony in a recent home game. It’s possible he’ll see some duty vs. Bryant, as he has in the past. Cunningham on Bryant’s legacy: “A legend. Someone I’ve looked up to, growing up and playing in Philadelphia, college-wise. His high school was right around the corner from my college. A great all-time player.” …
Kendrick Perkins faced Bryant twice in the NBA Finals as a starter for Boston, winning a title in 2008. Asked what it was like to go up against Bryant with so much at stake, Perkins said, “Scary. Just knowing him being on the other end, his willpower to go and get the game. His competitive nature, you just don’t see that anymore around the league.”