Strickland signs with Toronto

Toronto — The Toronto Raptors signed veteran point guard Rod Strickland for the rest of the season Friday and waived guard Jannero Pargo.

Strickland requested and received his release from the Orlando Magic earlier this month. He wanted the opportunity to sign with a playoff team.

Strickland averaged 6.8 points and four assists in 46 games for the Magic, who have the NBA’s worst record.

“It was a mutual thing in Orlando. Because of the situation there I think they felt it was good for them to play the younger guys and then look for me to go somewhere else,” Strickland said.

Bryant injures shoulder in collision with Evans

Los Angeles — Kobe Bryant injured his right shoulder in a collision with Seattle’s Reggie Evans in the first minute of the Lakers’ game Friday night and left the arena to have an MRI.

There was no immediate report on how badly his shoulder was hurt, although team spokesman John Black said Bryant had jammed it.

Bryant missed six games earlier this season because his right shoulder was sprained.

Bryant was hurt when he ran into Evans, who was setting a pick, with 11:06 remaining in the first quarter. Bryant was sandwiched between Evans and Ray Allen, who was trying to go around Evans.