NBA roundup: Kobe doubtful for season opener
Kobe Bryant is unlikely to play for the Los Angeles Lakers this month, and the team still has no timetable for his return from a torn Achilles tendon.
Coach Mike D'Antoni said before the Lakers and Golden State Warriors played an exhibition in China on Tuesday that he didn't expect Bryant to play Oct. 29 in the opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.
"No, I don't think so," said D'Antoni. "We'll see. I think it's an ongoing process but that would be tough."
--Brandon Jennings is out for at least three weeks with an impacted wisdom tooth and hairline fracture of the mandible near the base of the tooth, the Detroit Pistons announced. Veteran Chauncey Billups will start with Jennings sidelined.
Jennings joined the Pistons in the offseason, ending his five-year run with the Milwaukee Bucks in a sign-and-trade acquisition. Jennings signed a three-year, $25 million deal with Detroit.
--The Atlanta Hawks signed free agent forward Cartier Martin to a contract, the team announced. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the deal is not guaranteed.
The 6-foot-7, 220-pound Martin played in 41 games (three starts) last season for the Washington Wizards, and averaged 6.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16.9 minutes. He played parts of the past four seasons with the Wizards.
--The Sacramento Kings waived DeQuan Jones and Brandon Heath to trim their training camp roster to 16. Jones and Heath each appeared in one preseason game for the Kings.
