NBA Europe Live - Minnesota Timberwolves v LA Lakers
Venue: O2 Arena, London Date: 4 October Tip-off: 2000 BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra and live on ESPN

By Rob Dugdale

LA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is likely to play only 15 minutes in total in Monday's game at the O2 Arena in London, says Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

Bryant is recovering from knee surgery and will have a limited role against Minnesota Timberwolves.

"It's going to be limited," said Jackson. "He'll probably play six or seven minutes in his first run and then see if he can play again after that."

Jackson, 65, also confirmed that this season would be his last as a coach.

"I'm calling it my last stand so that's it," said the former Chicago Bulls coach, who has won 11 NBA titles and is aiming to win three championships in a row for a fourth time.

Bryant told reporters after a practice scrimmage at Crystal Palace that he was pleased with his recovery so far but did not want to take any risks.

"There's no pain," he added. "I've just got to go easy on it - that's what the surgeon says.

606: DEBATE I'm going to the O2 on Monday for my first taste of live NBA basketball. Any thoughts from people that have been to previous games at the O2? fabsfcsteve

"I'm not ready yet but I'm getting there. Today I felt a lot better."

Jackson described his star player as training "at a measured pace and in rhythm with his team-mates".

The coach added that the long trip from Los Angeles to London for the exhibition game would not disrupt his team's preparations for the 2010-11 season.

"It changes our schedule a little bit but I don't think it's enough to be concerned about," he said

"Our players are well enough trained to be able to deal with this. We'll find out about it after we get back."

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