Lakers vs Suns Preview: Kobe Bryant ‘Absolutely’ Playing Against Suns

Dec 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Before Wednesday’s game in Phoenix, Kobe Bryant of the Lakers made it known that he’d ‘absolutely’ be playing

Seeing as the Los Angeles Lakers are playing on the road against the Phoenix Suns for the final time this season, it should come as no surprise that Kobe Bryant will at least make an appearance in Wednesday night’s game.

More over, the last time the Black Mamba missed an away game was January 29 against the Los Angeles Clippers, which isn’t really an away game at all. Prior to that, the last away contest he missed was against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 19.

Per Shahan Ahmed of NBC Sports, after Tuesday’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies Bryant made it known that he would “absolutely” be playing in Phoenix.

Wednesday night’s contest represents an interesting game for both teams who are fighting for better position in the upcoming draft lottery, but even with a victory, the Lakers look set to lock up the second worst record overall.

On a side note, Tyson Chandler, who is sitting out Wednesday, revealed that he’s “bummed not to face Kobe Bryant one last time.”

Kobe Bryant has had some memorable performances against the Suns and looks to carry over his hot shooting from Tuesday night into the game against Devin Booker and company, a team they lost to just five days prior.

Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns

More from Lake Show Life

Date: Wednesday, March 23
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Arena: Talking Stick Resort Arena
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Suns -5
Moneyline: Lakers +185, Suns -215
O/U: 212

Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers: Ryan Kelly (wrist)–Questionable, Anthony Brown (foot)—Out, D’Angelo Russell (shin splints)– Probable

Phoenix Suns: Tyson Chandler (back)–Out, T.J. Warren (ankle)–Out, Eric Bledsoe (knee)–Out

Next: Kobe Bryant's Top 5 Moments Against the Suns

Prediction

Inexplicably, the Lakers pull out another win against the Suns, but still manage to have the second worst record when it is all said and done. With D’Angelo Russell ailing from shin splints, expect big minutes from Marcelo Huertas who will remind Phoenix fans of a better time. Kobe goes for 25 points in 25 minutes.

Schedule