Kobe Bryant reportedly rules himself out for Friday night
Kobe Bryant is close to a return from his Achilles’ tear, but Friday in Sacramento against the Kings may have to wait.
Bryant has ruled out playing against the Kings, according to multiple reports, including by ESPNLosAngeles.com and CNN.
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Speaking at a Nike event Wednesday in Los Angeles, Bryant reportedly indicated that playing Sunday at Staples Center against the Toronto Raptors remains a possibility.
Bryant was injured April 12 in a win over the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers All-Star guard practiced with the team Tuesday and Wednesday. If he has no ill effects after a third straight day of practice on Thursday, a Sunday return could be in the cards.
The team hosts the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday before a four-game trip in just five nights.
Without Bryant, the Lakers are a .500 team (9-9), good enough for 11th place in the Western Conference before games played Wednesday night.
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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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