Kobe factor? Lakers’ visit to Sacramento added to NBA TV lineup

The Lakers won’t know if Kobe Bryant will make his return to the court until Friday, but just the possibility has sent ripples around the NBA.

The league announced Wednesday that the Lakers’ visit to the Sacramento Kings on Friday will now be televised nationally on NBA TV.

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Bryant is still sidelined after Achilles’ tendon surgery on April 12, but has increased his efforts in practice with the Lakers. If he feels no ill effects of three consecutive days of working with the team, Bryant could suit up in Sacramento.

Additionally, the demand for tickets for the Lakers’ next home game, on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, have climbed on the secondary market.

According to Razorgator.com, since Nov. 15 the prices for Sunday have jumped 22% on the resale market from $157.05 on average to $190.90.

The demand for the Christmas Day game at Staples Center has also climbed a similar percentage over the same span, reaching an average of $790.33.

The Lakers host LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat on the holiday -- but the hope and expectation is that Bryant will make his return well before Christmas.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.