On Saturday, Kobe Bryant was medically cleared by team doctors and participated in 5-on-0 and shooting drills. With no setbacks after his first practice, Bryant participated in full-contact, full-court during today’s scrimmage.
After practice, Bryant spoke to the media for the first time and shared that he sees himself playing in November and could play today if he had to. While his teammates are all excited to see him back on the court, the practices are going to be much more competitive and serious with him on the floor:
Kobe on how his teammates responded when they saw him put his practice jersey on the first time: “They knew they had to bring their A game.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 19, 2013
Kobe on his teammates and being back at practice: “They can’t f*** around.”
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 19, 2013
With Bryant’s team winning 21-3 during scrimmage, Kobe was back to his usual self as he asked Xavier Henry a very simple question following the win:
Kobe to Xavier Henry “hey X how you like that a.. kicking we gave yall”
— Beto Duran (@DuranSports) November 19, 2013
With a 5-7 record to start the season, the Lakers have their leader back and look to make a push for the playoffs. While there were no expectations with Bryant out, everyone wants to see how good this team can be and if those off-season predictions were accurate.
While the Lakers played better than expected, they lost numerous games late without their best closer. With Bryant back on the court, the Lakers should be more focused on winning basketball games.
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VIDEO OF KOBE SHOOTING, CUTTING, 5 on 5 AT LAKERS PRACTICE
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Don’t forget to head over to our Lakers Nation Store to get your hands on our Kobe Vino T-Shirt!
