BRYANT: 27 POINTS, 26 MINUTES : LAKER ROOKIE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE ONLY 17.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

A capacity audience brimming with enthusiasm came to see the Kobe Bryant Premiere Saturday night at Long Beach State's Pyramid.

The newest Laker didn't take long to display his star potential against NBA competition in the L.A. Summer Pro League - even though he's barely old enough to watch an R-rated movie.

The 17-year-old Bryant scored 27 points in 26 minutes in a 123-113 Lakers loss to the Detroit Pistons. But the outcome was hardly the subject of conversation.

What was discussed was how such a young player could make such beautiful moves to the basket - enough to quickly convince the crowd he's ready for the NBA.

``I don't want to compare anyone to Michael Jordan,'' Pistons summer-league coach Alvin Gentry said. ``But I'll call him Jordanesque. I have never a better player his age at his position.''

Bryant, who received a roaring ovation after being introduced as a starter, made just 4 of 10 shot attempts but made 18 of his 20 free throws. Being guarded by players five years older and more, the 6-foot-6 Bryant beautifully mixed in an array of spin moves and crossovers. His quickness and his ability to create in midair was impressive.

``I'm still excited,'' Bryant said with a huge smile after the game. ``It's going to take me a while to calm down. I was a little nervous, but I played pretty well.''

An understatement from the charismatic teen-ager.

``I've seen some great players his age, but they weren't guards,'' Lakers coach Del Harris said. ``I don't how many times a 17-year-old in the L.A. Summer Pro League can go to the line 20 times. He's a gifted player.''

Bryant was somewhat weak at what most rookies have trouble with - defense and passing. With the ball on the perimeter, he looked to shoot first, and on defense, he appeared confused by the amount of screens.

``In high school, I was like the Shaq-attack. I was doing the banging,'' Bryant said. ``But guys like (Pistons forward) Theo Ratliff are big. Sometimes I tried to stay outside and away from those bodies and elbows.''

Bryant started quickly with 10 first-period points but played just 26 minutes because of foul trouble. He picked up his fifth with 6:11 left in the third period and sat until chants of ``Kobe'' began echoing from the crowd early in fourth. At 8:02 he entered and played the remainder of the game.

``I heard the chants and I tried not to listen,'' Bryant said. ``I looked over at coach (Larry) Drew to see if he was listening. All of a sudden, he told me to report in.''

Bryant left no doubt that he was a legitimate NBA player - and that Vlade Divac was an intelligent sacrifice for his potential. The only question that lingers is how long it will take for him to make a sizable contribution.

``If they keep him in a structured environment, his potential is limitless,'' Gentry said.

Bryant's trying to mesh into the California lifestyle. With his mother Pam in attendance on Saturday and his two sisters on their way from Pennsylvania, Bryant's transitional period will be easier - especially with these 27-point performances.

``I've got a lot of work to do, but I'm happy with my first game,'' Bryant said. ``I felt very comfortable out there and I know things will get better. Just wait.''

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Photo

Photo: Newly acquired Laker Kobe Bryant drives the lane ina summer-league game against Detroit in Long Beach.

Associated Press