The return of Kobe Bryant for the Los Angeles Lakers has been ruled out for the matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, but the perennial All-Star returning against the Toronto Raptors at the Staples Center on Sunday is looking more and more likely.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com, head coach Mike D’Antoni believes Bryant’s return is very close:
D’Antoni says Kobe’s return is a matter of “days,” not weeks
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 5, 2013
With Bryant participating in practice and getting more confidence playing on his surgically repaired Achilles, the five-time NBA champion will be back sooner rather than later. Most believe that if Bryant wanted to he could’ve already made his return, but the veteran shooting guard is wisely taking a cautious approach to getting back on the floor.
Although Bryant has already ruled himself out against the Kings, the matchup against the Raptors may be his target date with a few more practices under his belt to prepare for his first game against an opposing team.
If unable to return against the Raptors, Bryant will have one more chance to return at home against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday before the team gets back on the road. The Lakers will travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder on Friday and then will head to Charlotte to face the Bobcats on Saturday.
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Lakers Practice: Pau Gasol On Adjusting To Kobe Bryant Being Back At Practice
