Bryant has been officially ruled out for Sunday night’s game against the Portland Trailblazers, but with four days until their next game (at Sacramento), Bryant will have three practices to get acclimated with his new teammates, and could potentially play Friday night if everything goes well, according to the Lakers’ Mike Trudell via his Twitter account.
1/2: Thanks for all the questions, folks. Since a ton were about when Kobe may return, I'll relay this from practice yesterday…
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 2, 2013
2/2: The Lakers will likely practice on Tues., Wed. and Thurs. this week, w/no game until Fri. If all goes well for Kobe, Fri. is possible.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 2, 2013
But that doesn't mean Bryant will play on Friday … even if all 3 practices go great. Will literally see how he feels day by day.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 2, 2013
What should be pointed out is that Bryant could have everything go well this week, and still not fell comfortable enough on his surgically repaired Achilles to go on Friday night in the states capital.
Should Bryant find himself not ready on Friday night, the Lakers will have Saturday off before playing the Raptors at home on Sunday and the Suns at home on Tuesday. A return in the next three games would be ideal considering the Lakers will have a tough four-game road trip which will begin in Oklahoma City next Friday. Giving Bryant a game or two to feel things out at home could make his first road trip of the season a bit easier.
Right now there is no way to tell whether Bryant will play on Friday, but this is a story that we’ll continue to follow throughout the week as his status is updated.
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