The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping that Kobe Bryant's second game back in the lineup proves to have better results. The All-Star returned after rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon, but it was not enough to get the team a win. In his first game, Bryant put up nine points and eight rebounds after sitting out the first 19 games of the season. The Phoenix Suns travel to Los Angeles and the Lakers are hoping Bryant only gets better.
Bryant will likely have his minutes limited during his first few games back, which could headline how the next few Lakers games go. In his first game, Bryant played a quick 28 minutes, going 2 of 9 from the field and 5 of 7 from the free throw line. His stat line was not impressive, but it was enough to excite Lakers fans everywhere.
Despite Bryant's return, the Lakers still have a lot of issues in their lineup. Pau Gasol is in a big slump, averaging just 11.3 points per game on 30.9 shooting percentage. In his place, the Lakers bench continues to prove impressive. They scored 71 points on Sunday, increasing their already league-leading average. The Lakers defense is also a large issue as the team is giving up an average of 103.0 points per game.
The Suns are hoping to capitalize and have a big offensive performance. The team is averaging 101.2 points per game while their bench is equally impressive. Markieff Morris highlights a group of young talent. He scored a team-high 25 points off the bench against the Toronto Raptors, making his first 11 shots of the game.
The Lakers have the home court advantage as they sit at .500 on the season. Bryant will certainly get a warm welcome, now he just has to match it with production.
