Bryant Might Start Opener

An injury here, a baby born there, and suddenly it looks as if Kobe Bryant might start at small forward tonight in the season opener against the Houston Rockets and, by the way, Scottie Pippen.

Starting power forward Robert Horry flew to Houston on Thursday night to be with his wife, Keva, who began labor in the afternoon. A team spokesman said it was uncertain if Horry could make it back in time for tonight’s game.

Earlier, starting small forward Rick Fox was temporarily taken out of the starting lineup after missing his third consecutive workout because of sore feet and ankles--after having started all 82 games last season.

Before Horry’s departure, Coach Del Harris said he was hesitant to start Bryant before the 20-year-old is ready to take over a starting spot for good.

“I’d say the day we start him . . . it won’t be something that will be temporary,” Harris said. “When that happens, it’ll be for a period of time and one would assume for the rest of his career.”

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Bryant said. “I’m going to go out there, I’m going to show them I’m ready to play. . . . Start or no start. I’m going to start eventually.”

TONIGHT vs. Houston, 7:30

Fox Sports West

* Site--Great Western Forum.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records (1997-98)--Lakers 61-21; Rockets 41-41.

* Record vs. Rockets (1997-98)--3-1.

* Update--The Lakers open this shortened schedule with three consecutive meaningful games against Western Conference rivals, following this game with a home date against Utah, then a trip to San Antonio. “It’s not like the colleges where you can pick four or five home games against teams that are looking to get a guarantee to help their athletic budget,” Coach Del Harris joked. “This is like opening with Duke, Stanford and Kentucky.”

* Tickets--Sold out.