The Lakers’ Not Quite Big Four Tour made its latest stop Wednesday, with another superstar joining Dwight Howard in pricey street clothes on the bench.

Kobe Bryant sat out a 93-75 exhibition loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, one day after he strained his right shoulder while dunking on Antawn Jamison in practice.

Bryant said he was already feeling better before the game, adding that he would be back for the Lakers’ next preseason game against Utah on Saturday at Staples Center.

A hodgepodge Lakers offense that included facets of the Princeton offense had some disjointed moments.

“I know if Pete Carril is watching us,” Brown said, referring to the legendary coach, “he’s probably bonking his head against the wall talking about, ‘Everybody thinks that’s the Princeton. It’s not, it’s not, it’s not, it’s not, it’s not.’”

Of course, this is hardly the offense the Lakers plan to unveil with Bryant and Howard expected back for their Oct. 30 opener.

By then, Bryant presumably won’t need the bulky black contraption that longtime trainer Gary Vitti slung over his arm and shoulder Wednesday to circulate oxygen over his injury. Bryant also wore a black piece of tape on the front of his shoulder to prevent further pinching sensations.

via Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times