On Christmas Day, Kobe Bryant was expected to play against the Chicago Bulls after resting against the Golden State Warriors earlier this week. Unfortunately, head coach Byron Scott revealed that his superstar would not play against the Bulls due to general soreness.
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After the announcement, Kobe talked to reporters and revealed that both his knees, Achilles and back are sore according to Los Angeles Times’ Mike Bresnahan:
Kobe: "My knees are sore… [both] my Achilles are sore. Metatarsals are tight. Back’s tight. I just need to kind of hit the reset button."
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 26, 2014
In addition to not playing tonight against the Bulls, Kobe says he probably won’t play against the Dallas Mavericks on the second night of a back-to-back via Bresnahan:
Kobe says he probably won't play vs. Dallas tomorrow night either.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 25, 2014
Before the start of the season, it was assumed that Scott would limit Kobe’s minutes after two consecutive season-ending injuries. While most assumed his minutes would be closer to the 28-32 minute range, the five-time champion is averaging 35.4 minutes which matches his career average.
At the age of 36 and in his 19th season, Kobe is having difficulties recovering after games and is shooting just 37.2 percent from the field. After playing major minutes in the first 27 games, Kobe is looking to get some proper rest and hopes to find his health again.
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