After eight months of grueling rehab and therapy, Lakers star Kobe Bryant made his season debut against the Toronto Raptors. While the Lakers did lose, the night was centered on how Kobe would look in his return.
Following the game Kobe spoke to reporters, and mentioned that he didn’t quite perform as well as he had liked despite the fact that he finished with nine points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 28 minutes.
Today at after Lakers practice, Bryant sort of softened his opinion on his debut, and told reporters that he felt that he didn’t feel that he performed as bad after watching film late last night.
Kobe: “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was.” After watching film till 2am, he changed his “F” grade to a “D.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 9, 2013
The obvious negative from Kobe’s performance last night was the eight turnovers. That’s to be expected with him having to adjust to playing with a new roster, and getting familiar with game flow and speed.
Tomorrow against Phoenix we should expect him to play a lot better as he continues to get comfortable with this Lakers team and figure out what his limitations are while adjusting to playing off of this injury.
Lakers Nation News:
Kobe Says Debut Wasn’t As Bad As He Thought
Steve Nash Unsure If He Can Continue Playing Anymore
Kobe Bryant Says Achilles Feels Completely Fine
Nick Young On Playing With Kobe: “You Catch Yourself Watching Him”
Lakers News:
Kobe Admits He Needs To Drop A Little Weight – Forum Blue & Gold
Lakers Rust In Kobe’s Return – Silver Screen & Roll
Reincorporating Kobe Will Be A Work In Progress – ESPN
Kobe Bryant, In His Lakers Return, Is A Star That Falls To Earth – LA Times
NBA News:
Clippers Agree To Terms With Stephen Jackson – Pro Basketball Talk
Tyson Chandler Said He Expects To Be Back Before New Years Day – Pro Basketball Talk
Minnesota’s Corey Brewer Fined $5,000 For Flopping – Pro Basketball Talk
Memphis’ Pondexter Out With Stress Fracture In Foot, Likely To Miss Season – Pro Basketball Talk
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ICYMI: Kobe Bryant Grades His Debut Performance With An “F”
