Lakers' Kobe Bryant, D'Angelo Russell to play vs. Sacramento on Thursday
Los Angeles Lakers' star Kobe Bryant and rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell will play against the Sacramento Kings Sleep Train Arena on Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Bryant has missed the previous three games because of a sore right shoulder. Russell missed Tuesday's game vs. the Golden State Warriors with a sore throat.
The fact that Bryant is playing against the Kings shouldn't come as a surprise, as it's his last visit to Sacramento -- an old foe he and Shaquille O'Neal had numerous contentious battles with in the postseason in the early 00s.
Lakers coach Byron Scott said that Bryant's history with California's capital certainly played a role in his decision to play tonight:
“This is a little more special to him because of the rivalry they had with the Lakers,” Scott said. “That was one of the biggest reasons he wanted to play tonight. It’s something he has some fond memories of. They were great series. It was a true rivalry. Both teams didn’t like each other. But they respected each other. It’ll be fun for him tonight.”
Scott added that Russell is doing much better, other than in one regard:
“No relapse besides just playing young and dumb,” Scott joked about Russell. “He had a lot more pep in his step and the usual D’Angelo that I’m seeing wanting to make bets and tell jokes. He’s back to normal.”
Per usual, Bryant didn't attend the Lakers' shootaround on Thursday. He's expected to play between 28 to 32 minutes, even though Scott suspects he could be affected by fatigue.
Russell will continue to come off the bench, but Scott hinted that there could be lineup for Sunday's game vs. the Utah Jazz.
