The long awaited return of Kobe Bryant is almost upon us. The Lakers, and their star player, have announced that Bryant will make his return Sunday when the Lakers host the Toronto Raptors at the Staples Center.
Bryant made the announcement by posting the following video on his Facebook page.
On Thursday, Bryant said that he would probably have a reduced amount of playing time when he first returns to the lineup. He stated that he will need some time to build up and into game shape. Bryant averaged 38.6 minutes per game last season.
“Getting your sea legs, it takes some time to do that,” Bryant said. “That’s why we have preseason games and it builds to the regular season. It just takes a while, no matter how much running and conditioning you do, to get out there and play is different. So I’m sure I’ll be limited in some capacity.”
Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni was asked what his reaction would have been if he was told during training camp that Kobe Bryant would return to the Lakers lineup on Dec. 8.
“I’d probably be saying, ‘What took him so long?'” D’Antoni joked before the Lakers Friday game with thee Sacramento Kings. “No, I think it’s terrific. Obviously he feels good about it and we’ll see going forward, but this is good news.”
“He’ll be a dominant player,” D’Antoni said. “He can play any way. He can play below the rim, above the rim, beside the rim. I mean, the guy can play any way. He’ll figure out how he’ll be effective and then he’ll come at you with everything he’s got. That’s been his M.O., and I think that’s what he’ll do.”
Lakers players were also delighted with the news.
“To hear he’s coming back, it’s definitely a positive influence for everybody,” said Jodie Meeks, who has been starting at shooting guard with Bryant injured. “We want to win this game tonight and Sunday will be a tough game, but with him back, we will play with a lot of confidence.”
Bryant recently signed a two-year, $48.5 million extension with the team, which will likely make the Black Mamba a “Laker for Life”.
And now, like the video says, the Legend continues….
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