Kobe Not Planning on Playing Friday
Oct 18, 2013; Shanghai, Shanghai Province, China; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) in pre-game warm up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Mercedes-Benz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Danny La-USA TODAY Sports
According to reports, Kobe Bryant is not planning on playing in the Lakers next game. There have been many rumors going around that he hasn’t had any setbacks in practice, and that he could possibly be available to make his first appearance this season on Friday.
Kobe tells me he's getting closer to returning but that he's not planning on playing Friday (Lakers' next game)
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) December 5, 2013
There was a lot of hope that Kobe would be back for the game against the Sacramento Kings, but it sounds like he isn’t quite ready yet. I wouldn’t completely rule him out yet — Kobe’s competitiveness may get the best of him. If the Black Mamba doesn’t play Friday, look for him to get his first game action on December 8 against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center.