Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
If the Lakers are to avoid going 0-for-the preseason then they’ll have to do so without the services of one Kobe Bryant. This morning it was reported that the Lakers were going to sit both Kobe and Dwight Howard for tonight’s game. Turns out the team is going to do the same for Kobe in Thursday night’s preseason finale as well.
Kobe’s sore right foot is now being handled on a day-to-day basis with the Lakers establishing no definite time table for his return. The obvious hope is that he’ll be ready for the opener in just over a week. The concern is that this will linger throughout the season.
As an NBA vet Kobe’s taken plenty of abuse over the years with the last two seasons really showing all the wear and tear. No telling how serious the situation is. Serious enough that Kobe said he wouldn’t have played if it was the regular season. That’s saying something given Kobe’s track record for toughing it out.
Another concern is that the Lakers’ planned starting five has only had one game together to see how the new pieces fit. Of course it’s a long season and there will be plenty of time to get on the same page. Hopefully it’s just not going to become a long wait until Kobe is good to go.