Bryant, Howard To Miss Wednesday's Game As Lakers Battle Through Early Injuries

EL SEGUNDO (CBSLA.com) Kobe Bryant missed practice in El Segundo Tuesday for the second straight day due to his sprain on his right foot.

"It's always frustrating to have these freak accidents," Bryant said to CBS'2 Jim Hill. "It always upsets me."

As for Dwight Howard, he only participated in individual drills due to soreness from his Lakers debut Sunday against the Sacramento Kings.

Both players will sit out of Wednesday's contest against the Clippers at the Staples Center, but they could return to the lineup Thursday against the Kings at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.

"Any time anybody's been out, it slows it down," Coach Mike Brown said. "Dwight being out the first five games … it's setting us back a little back. Jordan Hill being out, it's setting us back a little bit."

On the positive side of the injury bug, Jordan Hill, who has been out with a herniated disc, practiced Tuesday, and could be back in tomorrow's lineup against the Clippers.

Steve Nash, who turned his ankle Sunday, and Metta World Peace, who dislocated a finger are expected to play Tuesday.