Kobe Bryant to be back in the game against San Antonio Spurs – NBA Update
Kobe Bryant says that he will be back for the Los Angeles Lakers when they take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, April 20.
Kobe was seen practicing before the game against the Golden State Warriors in the Oracle Arena on Wednesday night. He shot some hoops and did some layups but did not play the game. When ESPN’s Ric Bucher asked him about his return
after the game, he responded that he will be back in the Lakers squad in their next game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Kobe has missed the last 7 games the Lakers have played due to a shin injury. He did not rush his return to the squad, as he wanted his shin to be fully healed and rested so that it does not cause any problems for him during the
playoffs. The injury came as a blessing in disguise, allowing Kobe to rest in the crucial patch before the playoffs begin.
Kobe has been putting up long minutes in Lakers games throughout the season, and the break will help him return fresh and ready for the playoffs. Mike Brown made the same comments recently when asked about Kobe’s return, saying
that his number 1 priority was Kobe Bryant well rested and fully recovered from injury as the playoffs were just around the corner. That is why he was not hurrying Kobe to return and even if his prolonged absence meant a few losses in the final few games of
the season for L.A, he was willing to accept that.
However, it has not been the case as the Lakers have played exceptionally well in the absence of Kobe. They are 5-1 in their last 6 games, losing only to top ranked San Antonio Spurs.
Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace have stepped up and taken additional responsibilities in the former MVP’s absence, and their numbers are proof of that. With Kobe out, Pau has been involved in more plays, which has helped him gain
a great deal of confidence offensively. The triple-double against the Warriors last night was the first of this season.
With Kobe coming back into the squad, Mike Brown needs to remember what clicked for the team in his absence and ensure that it is made part of the overall game strategy and plan. The Lakers need all the help and support they can
get come playoffs, and Pau and World Peace need to perform at the same level as they are performing now if the Lakers want to make a return trip to the NBA Finals.
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