The LA Lakers have Kobe Bryant dealing with a leg injury, but head coach Byron Scott said that the issue is not a serious one and that Bryant should return to the court soon. Los Angeles has some roster decisions to make and players like Metta World Peace, Marcelo Huertas, Michael Frazier and Robert Upshaw could make it, while D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle are pushing to be starters this preseason.
Bryant is coming into the season after dealing with major injuries the past two years and the Lakers are hoping that he can get through 2015-16 without missing too many games. According to ESPN.com, Bryant left the game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night after suffering a lower leg injury and he did not return to the game. The injury happened in the third quarter after Bryant hit Kings center Kosta Koufos while making a drive to the basket.
Bryant reportedly suffered a bruise on his calf from the collision, but he was able to walk off the court on his own and into the locker room. ESPN and other media outlets report that after the game, Bryant did not speak to the media, as Bryant went to visit former teammate Lamar Odom in the hospital. According to Ramona Shelburne, the injury to Bryant is not considered serious and Byron Scott said that Bryant "likely" would play in the next preseason game against the Warriors over the weekend. Bryant had 10 points in the game against the Kings.
The Lakers have some roster decisions to make coming up, as the Los Angeles Times reports that the team has to cut four players before the regular season starts. The team currently has 12 players on guaranteed deals and those players likely will make the team, although the report quotes Kupchak as saying that he would make a move if he "feels it's the right basketball decision." Players like Jonathan Holmes, Michael Frazier and Robert Upshaw are trying to make the roster, while Robert Sacre and Tarik Black could be on the bubble heading into the end of the preseason.
The notable names to watch include Marcelo Huertas and Metta World Peace, as both players are considered strong options to make the roster, but there are no guarantees when it comes to cuts. According opt the Times, Huertas could make the team despite dealing with an injury, as the Lakers may want an experienced player behind D'Angelo Russell, who is pushing to start along with Julius Randle. Peace has been a mentor for Randle and he is on a minimum contract and would be a strong veteran presence in the locker room.
Bryant had some issues off the court to deal with along with GM Mitch Kupchak, as the two reportedly visited with Lamar Odom in the hospital on Tuesday night. Odom reportedly is in critical condition after being found unresponsive at a brothel in Las Vegas and he was later rushed to the hospital for treatment. According to Fox Sports, Bryant and Kupchak came to visit Odom after the game on Tuesday. Los Angeles Daily News Lakers beat reporter Mark Medina confirmed that news that Bryant went and saw Odom in the hospital. Odom is reportedly in critical condition.
Check here for more on Bryant, the roster, potential cuts and starters for Byron Scott.