Down to three healthy digits on his shooting hand, his evening yet to stretch from court to X-ray machine, Kobe Bryant dug his shoulder into LeBron James’ chest, bumped him back then bumped him again. James yielded a sliver of space, and that was all Bryant needed. He spun on his toes, lifted in the air and released a perfect rainbow of a shot that dropped through the net.

On this night, the highlights were few and far between for Bryant, unless you consider herding James into a corral of 7-footers must-see TV. And maybe that was the biggest statement the Los Angeles Lakers made with their 105-88 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bryant shared the floor with James for the first time this season, the reigning MVP versus the current favorite, and if Kobe proved anything it was this: With these Lakers, he doesn’t always have to be, well, Kobe.

o o o

He had his finger wrapped up in a splint made of aluminum, plastic and foam. He won’t wear that device during the game. Bryant will get his finger taped before the game, something Bryant and Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said he may have to wear the rest of the season.

Bryant said there will be some discomfort and that it may affect his shot, but he said he’ll deal with that as the season progresses.

Bryant still has a torn ligament in his right pinky finger that will require surgery when the season is over. Bryant told the media about a deep gash on the palm of his right hand that has been covered up with a bandage. Last week he also had to get four stitches over his right eye.