Kobe Bryant missed two practices this week with an ailing foot injury and it looks like he’ll be sitting during tonight’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
ESPN reports that Bryant is currently listed as day-to-day but the Lakers star said that he didn’t expect to dress for tonight’s game. Bryant also said that he isn’t sure if he’ll play during the Lakers first regular season game.
Bryant said: “Probably not. It’s pretty sore.”
Head coach Mike Brown said that he didn’t know when Bryant would be back on the floor.
Brown said:
“I don’t know how serious it is. When it comes to Kobe sitting out, it’s got to be bothering him. So we’ll be patient with it, and he’ll get it right. The medical staff will get it right, and whenever he’s ready, he’ll come back on the floor.”
If Bryant does miss tonight’s game Brown will start Jodie meeks in his place. Devin Ebanks will also see more playing time.
Center Dwight Howard could also be sitting during tonight’s game. Howard was limited during Tuesday’s practice as he continues to recover from his back surgery. Howard played with the Lakers on Sunday but said that he felt sore the next day.
Brown said:
“That’s understandable. He hadn’t played in a game for six months …The medical staff will evaluate him (Wednesday) and if he’s still a little tight or a little sore or whatever, then we’ll hold him out.”
Brown is confident that Bryant and Howard will be ready to play during the regular season but he did admit that the injuries have set the Lakers back. Brown added:
“It’s going to set us back a little bit because those guys aren’t out there getting reps without defense, they’re not getting reps with defense. So it hinders you to a certain degree, but it’s a long season. They’ll be out there in time.”
