After having a day off yesterday, the Los Angeles Lakers took to the practice court Thursday with the question on how Kobe Bryant's ankle.

Bryant missed the Lakers' last game against the Phoenix Suns and was on limited to 12 minutes in the game before against Indiana Pacers.

However, yesterday Bryant took to Twitter to update fans on his ankle status. Below is his reply to one of his followers;

The Lakers will practice Thursday, presumably with Bryant and Pau Gasol. Heading into Friday's game with the Wizards, Bryant would have had a week off to rest his ailing ankle. After tweeting out pictures of his ankle and that he was receiving round the clock therapy, Mike D'Antoni expects Bryant to play on Friday.

The fact that Bryant hasn't been able to suit up show how severe the injury is. Still the time off can prove benefital for the Lakers. Unfortunately they don't have much of a choice in the matter, still, they don't have any choice but to try and rush Bryant back before the playoffs.

Bryant is averaging 27.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season.

Meanwhile, Gasol will return when the team feels he is responding well during on-court action in practice.

Without Gasol the Lakers clearly lack the size and strength inside to remain tough defensively when Howard is on the bench. Phoenix out-rebounded the Lakers 55-45 without Gasol on Monday, even with Howard and Earl Clark combining for 21 rebounds.

Gasol is averaging 13.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season.

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