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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) drives around New York Knicks guard Jerian Grant (13) in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden.
MIAMI >> Kobe Bryant is not in the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup against the Miami Heat, marking the first game the 20-year veteran is missing this season.
Metta World Peace was listed in Bryant’s starting spot on Tuesday night.
Bryant is in Miami with the team and said Monday he anticipated playing against the Heat. Lakers coach Byron Scott did not reveal that Bryant was not playing in his pregame availability, and it wasn’t officially known until the team released its starting lineup about 45 minutes before game time.
Bryant is averaging 16.5 points through the first six games of the Lakers’ season. They visit Orlando on Wednesday.
