After struggling to start the 2015-16 NBA season, Kobe Bryant has regained his form for the Los Angeles Lakers. In his last five games, Kobe is averaging 18.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.8 minutes.
With the Lakers traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the five-time champion had dinner with Kevin Durant last night. However, he was not able to play due to a sore shoulder.
Following the 118-78 loss, Kobe spoke to the media and provided an update regarding his shoulder. According to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, the five-time champion is not concerned and hopes to play on Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets:
Kobe said he isn't really concerned about his shoulder. He had major surgery and expected it to be sore. Hopes to play Tuesday.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 20, 2015
In addition, head coach Byron Scott was encouraged with his conversation with head athletic trainer, Gary Vitti:
Scott was encouraged by that conversation with Gary Vitti after the doctors looked at Kobe. Everything seems OK w/t shoulder.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 20, 2015
When it was revealed Kobe would not play against the Thunder, there were concerns considering he had season-ending surgery and may have aggravated it when dunking on Houston Rockets center, Clint Capela.
Although it will require rest, there appears to be optimism regarding Kobe’s latest injury. Considering the circumstances, Kobe has only missed four games and will try to play every game possible. With the five-time champion retiring at the end of this season, the goal is to keep him relatively healthy in hopes of playing the final regular season game on April 13 against the Utah Jazz.
Appearing in 23 games, Kobe is averaging 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists.