Bryant, Nash return to practice for Lakers
By Jacob Rude
When Steve Nash was dealt to Los Angeles last summer, minds ran wild with the possibilities of a Kobe Bryant-Nash led Lakers back court. However, as is the case currently, neither player has remained healthy enough for the duo to truly show their potential partnership.
Tuesday, both were on the practice court together for one of the first times this year, with Bryant nearing closer to a return from his Achilles injury. By all accounts, Bryant looked impressive in the limited action seen by media reporters.
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, trainer Gary Vitti, team doc Gary Lombardo on hand to watch Kobe practice. He's going full court right now.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 3, 2013
Kobe doing a lot of passing, and little shooting in this 5-on-5 full court scrimmage we’re watching. Gasol is the most frequent beneficiary.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 3, 2013
Small sample size, but in the 10 minutes of the 5-on-5 scrimmage we've been privy to, Kobe has yet to take a shot #facilitatormode
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 3, 2013
Kobe dunked off a steal. Also on his team: Pau, Shawne Williams, Blake, Hill.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 3, 2013
And @kobebryant just dunked. Picked Henry’s pocket, sprinted up the left side and threw down with his left. Moving pretty well today…
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 3, 2013
And there it is...Pau rubbing Kobe's head after the starters win the scrimmage on a Kobe-to-Pau-to-Jordan Hill play...
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) December 3, 2013
What did @kobebryant do today, D’Antoni? “Everything … he looked good.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 3, 2013
Bryant is nearing closer and closer to a return. The odds of him playing Friday in Sacramento seem to be growing. On the opposite end of the spectrum, who practiced briefly today prior to the session being opened to the media.
Nash practiced some but said it is very doubtful he plays Friday.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) December 3, 2013
Gasol said that unfortunately Nash didn’t look as far along as Bryant. Nash acknowledged as much.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 3, 2013
Steve Nash is coming back (slowly) from a nerve issue in his back that led to him receiving an epidural and being sidelined for multiple weeks and counting.
The Lakers next play Friday in Sacramento. Neither player’s official status will be known until Thursday, at the earliest.