Tonight the Los Angeles Lakers host the Toronto Raptors amidst big news for both teams. Tonight marks Kobe Bryant’s return to the hardwood for the first time since his achilles injury. He’s returning against the Raptors which Bryant had his historical scoring performance of 81 points against. Also in shocking news the Raptors have sent their All-Star Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings along with some other few key pieces.
Check out the highlights below!
Kobe definitely going w/ the facilitator role early. Drawing two defenders and dishing.
— Ryan Ward (@Lakers_Examiner) December 9, 2013
Refs will review that 60 foot three-pointer by Ross at the buzzer. Unreal. Until then, Lakers trail 30-20 after one.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 9, 2013
Kobe scores his first point since April with a free throw, NBA chants surround Staples.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 9, 2013
The Staples Center rose to their feet with the clock winding down. Kobe’s fadeaway was blocked.
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 9, 2013
The 4th Bryant assist got Meeks a transition dunk, but TOR got an answer from DeRozan to take a 61-50 lead at the 7-minute mark o/t 3rd.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 9, 2013
ONLY player in double digits for the Lakers is Jodie Meeks (14).
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 9, 2013
Lakers trail 73-68 after three quarters, cutting TOR’s 14-point lead back into striking distance. Young and Meeks have 14 pts apiece
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 9, 2013
http://youtu.be/MbdcHbdPjvM http://youtu.be/2UCQNDfJ4A0 http://youtu.be/2hlFuNftnTQ
Bryant is set to return (after a “We want Kobe!” chant, no less) at the 6:53 mark. He’ll play 28 minutes if he stays in. — Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 9, 2013
Despite Bryant’s return, the Lakers fall to the Raptors 106-94. Young scores a team-high 19 points. STATS: http://t.co/cfM1VAb9QE
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 9, 2013