Kobe Bryant practices again, says he could return this month
By Jacob Rude
For the second time in four days, Kobe Bryant practiced with the Lakers squad. While only a portion of the practice was open to the media, Bryant impressed those in attendance.
Walked into Lakers practice to see Kobe making a pretty reverse layup...
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) November 19, 2013
...And Kobe bitched out the scorekeeper over a point his team was cheated.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) November 19, 2013
Kobe just hit an 18-foot fadeaway over Xavier Henry near teh top of the key. His team beat the backups, 21-3.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 19, 2013
Bryant talked to the media afterward, and most notably, said he could see himself return this month to game action.
Kobe said he could see himself returning to game action this month. Lakers have 2 home games then road games at Wash, Bkn, Det.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 19, 2013
Bryant also said he had gotten stronger than he’d been before, talking about how he could hold off defenders more effectively.
Kobe: “I’m able to hold defenders off pretty easily with my off hand, maintain position in the post. I’m much stronger now than I was.”
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 19, 2013
Mike D’Antoni did say he did not expect Bryant to return on Friday, as it was too soon of a turnaround for Bryant, right at a week after returning to practice.