Kobe(Flu) Sits Out Practice, But Expected To Play Sunday; Young Goes Through Full Day Of Practice
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (CBSLA.com) - At 36 years old, Kobe Bryant has looked very good so far this season, leading the NBA in scoring at 26.7 points per game.
However, last night he looked every bit his age.
Bryant had one of his worst games of his career, shooting 1-of-14 from the field with only 9 points in 36 minutes in a loss against the defending champions Spurs.
"He's in the training room right now, and he doesn't look good," Lakers guard Jeremy Lin said after the game. "I just got out of there, and he doesn't look good at all."
The morning after the game, the team announced Bryant was indeed sick with the flu. Bryant sat out Saturday's practice and even missed his charity event at Exposition Park.
Head coach Byron Scott said he was confident Bryant would be able to play tomorrow against the warriors.
"You'd probably have to amputate his leg for him not to play tomorrow," Scott said. "You guys know him. If he feels 20 percent better than he felt last night, he's gonna say, 'I'm good.' So again, I never scratch him out of anything except practice. When it comes to playing, he's the one guy that I know: If he can walk, he's probably gonna play."
The Lakers do have a bit of good news: Nick Young went through a full day of practice.
"He's a guy that can take a lot of pressure off of Kobe (Bryant)," Scott said. "He's a guy that we know we can give him the ball to and clear out space, and he get to the basket or he can make shots. He can help us in that aspect right away."
Young is expected to make his return Tuesday, Nov. 18 against the Hawks.