Kobe Bryant is expected to return to the court on Friday against the Toronto Raptors
Kobe Bryant has missed three of the last five games for the Los Angeles Lakers as the 37-year-old future Hall-of-Famer has been dealing with back and knee issues. He first sat out on a road back-to-back last Tuesday and Wednesday against the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, respectively. He played in the Lakers’ matchups on Friday and Sunday before again sitting out Monday against the Phoenix Suns on the second night of a back-to-back.
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However, it seems like Kobe is set to be back on the court for the Lakers next game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday at STAPLES Center. Mike Trudell of TWC Sports Net reported from Lakers practice on Wednesday that head coach Byron Scott expects Kobe to be on the floor come Friday:
Byron Scott said he expects Kobe - who did get some shots up today - will practice tomorrow and thinks he'll play on Friday.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 18, 2015
Trudell also reports that Kobe, though he was in the building for practice on Wednesday, did not participate in the full practice and was rather only there to get treatment on his injuries:
Kobe Bryant didn't practice today. Just came in to do treatment on his back and shoulder. (That's nothing out of the ordinary this season)
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 18, 2015
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As everyone is aware of at this point, Bryant has been struggling mightily at the start of his 20th NBA season and these nagging injuries obviously haven’t helped change that. Perhaps this schedule of rest and the long break this week will help him get a bit healthier and return to playing at least somewhere close to the level that the Lakers need him to.