The biggest storyline coming into today’s Laker game is whether or not Kobe Bryant should play or rest. Bryant was deemed doubtful all day yesterday and this morning by multiple people who have direct contact with Bryant. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN L.A. tweeted,
Lakers source says chances of Kobe playing in next game or two are “not good”
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) March 14, 2013
However, Bryant has been receiving round the clock treatment and there seems to be a legitimate shot at him playing tonight. We polled Lakers Nation today before news broke that Kobe worked out for 15 minutes asking whether or not they thought Bryant should play or sit out. Here are those results,
It seems that 79% believe that Bryant should rest and not rush back while the Lakers are in the midst of their playoff push. The Lakers have a relatively easy schedule, with off days that can help Bryant rest up. After tonight’s game they play three teams that are 20+ games under .500 and Bryant can afford to not play in those games.
However, news broke that Bryant arrived to the arena earlier than usual and worked out with assistant coach Phil Handy. Dave McMeniman from ESPNLA.com tweeted,
Kobe worked out on the floor for approximately 15 minutes just now, with Gary Vitti observing. “Looked OK” according to a source
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 15, 2013
We won’t know the status of Bryant until coach Mike D’Antoni has his pregame interview, but it’s sounding increasingly likely that Bryant will indeed play. Bryant compared this injury to the ankle injury he suffered during the 2000 Finals and he only missed one game. It will be interesting to see what Bryant and the medical team decide and if he does play, how effective he will be.
