Both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash were out on the Los Angeles Lakers practice floor this morning, but there’s still no definitive date for their return to game action. Head coach Mike D’Antoni said today that he expects Bryant to return sooner than Nash, who participated in 10 minutes of practice yesterday with the hope of upping those minutes on Wednesday. With the Lakers thin at the point guard spot, expect Bryant to be an option at the point guard position when he returns to game action.
“Kobe will play some point guard because of Farmar’s status and Steve Nash’s status,” D’Antoni explained before Wednesday’s practice.
Kobe was facilitating the offense during the team’s scrimmage after yesterday’s practice. With Jordan Farmar out approximately four weeks, Steve Blake will be expected to continue to perform at a high level. Unfortunately, a hyper-extended right elbow has limited him from being able to shoot right-handed the past two days. Blake was again shooting with his left hand before practice this morning, but D’Antoni said Blake told him he’s feeling better. Lakers center Pau Gasol is looking forward to having Bryant back on the floor, and says his presence alone will continue to pick up everyone’s energy, but does not want him to return until he is 100 percent ready to do so. Bryant did not speak to the media today but is expected to do so tomorrow. However, D’Antoni said he doesn’t think they’ll know whether or not Bryant can play against the Sacramento Kings until Friday.