"Tom Thibodeau wouldn't reveal who would start on Kobe Bryant, who practiced Friday despite a torn wrist ligament.

It's a safe bet Richard Hamilton will draw the Lakers' superstar at some point Sunday during his Bulls' debut in the Bulls-Lakers opener. It's a challenge Hamilton relishes — and knows well.

Bryant's Lower Merion (Pa.) team downed Hamilton's Coatesville (Pa.) High squad in three memorable high school showdowns outside of Philadelphia. And the two teamed to dominate AAU ball on the Sam Rines' All-Stars team.

"Nah, not at all," Hamilton said, laughing, when asked if that AAU team lost."