Gray in hospital; Bulls hit the road

Aaron Gray is in the hospital with cellulitis, a type of skin infection, in his right knee. He’s been sidelined since the first days of training camp because a stress fracture in his left fibula, but was getting close to being able to return to practice.

This isn’t expected to be a serious issue. A few antibiotics and he should be fine. Coach Vinny Del Negro suggested Monday that Gray might join the team for the end of the 10-day road trip.

The trek began Monday with the Bulls departing for Sacramento. Del Negro said Tyrus Thomas (broken arm) will not make the trip, which is a little surprising, even though he’s not expected to play until early December. Thomas and Jerome James will stay behind for conditioning.

NOAH GAINS CIRCUS KNOWLEDGE
The Bulls haven’t done a very good job of explaining some of the lingo to players. Joakim Noah had no idea why the Bulls’ annual November road swing is called the circus trip.

Answer: Because the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus moves into the United Center for about two weeks, forcing the Bulls and Blackhawks to hit the road.

“That’s why they call it the circus trip?” Noah said. “I was like, ‘Why do they always call it the circus trip? What’s so circus about it?’ I didn’t even know that.”

BOBCATS ACQUIRE JACKSON
Golden State finally managed to trade disgruntled shooting guard Stephen Jackson, sending him and guard Acie Law to Charlotte for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.

This has the potential to be a nice deal for the Bobcats, since Jackson is taller, younger and usually a better all-around player than Bell. Radmanovic has become little more than a 6-foot-10 outside shooting specialist and not even a very good one.

The drawback could be in the future, because the Warriors felt compelled to sign Jackson to a three-year extension worth about $30 million. He’s already 31 and signed for three more seasons beyond this one. Bell is in the final year of his deal and Radmanovic has an option for one more season.

KOBE AILING
The Lakers dropped their second straight game on Sunday, losing at home to Houston 101-91. Kobe Bryant went 5 for 20 from the field and limped into the locker room late in the game.

According to reports, Bryant suffered a groin injury last week against New Orleans. He’s tried to play through it, but finished with less than 20 points in each of the last two games, losses to Denver and Houston.

Will Bryant take some time off to get healthy? After the loss to the Rockets, he said he wouldn’t miss any games. The Lakers play Detroit on Tuesday and the Bulls on Thursday.