Center

Lakers look for clincher at home

(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-04 11:15

Jackson said he doesn't believe the series has been that physical, especially compared to the past.

"I'm thinking of 15 years ago — guys are thrown into the seats," Jackson said. "Our guys are pussycats, I know Phoenix has a bunch of pussycats, too."

Leonardo Barbosa is expected to start in Bell's place and guard Bryant. Shawn Marion will probably share the duty.

"We've been shorthanded the whole year and guys have stepped up," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We've closed ranks and we'll do that tomorrow. Somebody really has to step up big and we have a bunch of guys who can do it."

Meanwhile, police said Lakers center Kwame Brown hadn't been interviewed about allegations that he was involved in a sexual assault.

Brown denied any wrongdoing in a statement released shortly before Tuesday night's game.

"I'm just staying grounded and staying with my family," Brown said after practice Wednesday. "I'm confident it will get resolved. You've just got to roll with the punches — life goes on. I just come out and play. You've got to go to work every day, don't you."

He declined further comment on the matter, but did talk basketball.

"Oh, yeah. I don't want to go back to Phoenix," he said when asked if Game 6 was a must win for the Lakers.

Regarding Bell's action, Brown said: "I thought it was pretty stupid. He let his team down a little bit. That was his decision."