Will Kobe Bryant be ready for the Lakers' season opener? - Los Angeles Times
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Will Kobe Bryant be ready for the Lakers’ season opener?

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant talks to power forward Pau Gasol during their exhibition game against the Kings.
(Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
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The days are flying by, the Lakers down to one full day of practice before their season opener Tuesday.

Will Kobe Bryant be able to play?

“I have my doubts,” Lakers forward Pau Gasol said. “He hasn’t been able to practice for six days. He’s been off that foot for six days. It’s no joke. I don’t remember the last time he took that many days off of exercising. It’s concerning.”

Bryant sustained a strained right foot Oct. 21, which happens to be the last day he talked to the media, after tripping over Sacramento forward Thomas Robinson while cutting to the basket in an exhibition game.

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Monday marks the Lakers’ last day of practice before taking on Dallas. Then they play at Portland on Wednesday to complete back-to-back games.

Bryant was having a solid exhibition season before sitting out the last two games. He was averaging 20.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

“He’s been down because he can’t get out there and practice,” Dwight Howard said.

Metta World Peace was the voice of optimism for the Lakers.

“Every time he’s hurt, he always plays, he always comes through,” he said. “We know him for that, the fans know him for that. I could see him definitely playing.”

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