UPDATE (January 19, 2015 at 11:30 PM PST): According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Kobe Bryant will sit against the Phoenix Suns:
Byron said Kobe will sit tonight
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 19, 2015
Kobe Bryant had an impressive performance on Thursday night against LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. Bryant had arguably his best game of the season against the Cavs dishing out a career-high 17 assists while also scoring 19 points.
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Although Kobe appeared to have a fresh legs and played well against a talent-packed Cleveland squad, the five-time NBA champion may not be ready to get back on the floor on Monday against the Phoenix Suns.
According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Bryant is currently listed as doubtful for Monday’s game:
As of now, Lakers are listing both Kobe Bryant (rest) & Ronnie Price (right elbow) as doubtful for Monday's game in Phoenix.
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 17, 2015
Starting point guard Ronnie Price is also considered doubtful with a sore elbow. If Price’s status doesn’t change, Jeremy Lin will likely get the start. Wayne Ellington will also likely continue to be the starter with Kobe missing games for rest.
The Lakers will be on the road for the majority of next week. The road trip began with the matchup against the Utah Jazz on Friday and will continue against the division rival Suns on Monday.
After facing the Suns, the Lakers will go head-to-head against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday and end the road trip on Friday taking on the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers will head back to the Staples Center on Jan. 25 to take on the Houston Rockets.
[divide]Lakers Kobe Bryant Discusses Future Possibility Of Being Shutdown