Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni revealed that Kobe Bryant did not come to the morning shootaround Sunday in El Segundo and would once again be a game-time decision before the team faces off with Sacramento.
“[Bryant]’s been in the league a long time,” D’Antoni reminded the media. “He knows his body and he’ll have to make that determination.”
D’Antoni also said Pau Gasol’s Monday return was in “jeopardy” but also stated that Gasol was “close.”
The Lakers coach dismissed Steve Nash’s sore calf, and stated that apart from Gasol and Bryant, everyone else was fit to play—Jordan Hill was not part of the discussion.
Hill actually made an appearance at the end of practice, and Triple Threat spoke to the injured forward. Hill said that he still hoped to return this year, but the team was not so optimistic. Hill said he would be reevaluated by doctors in about three weeks, and he was hoping for a best-case scenario of a mid-April to early-May return.
Until doctors say differently, Hill is only limited to the exercise bike, elliptical machine, and weight lifting.
Dwight Howard also spoke at the end of shootaround, and he went in-depth about the positive growth he has experienced with the Lakers this season. Howard talked about how Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and especially Kobe Bryant helping him adjust his mentality before games and in practice.
“I’ve learned so much from the beginning of the season until now that is going to help me moving forward in my career,” Howard said. “This has been great.”
See full video of Dwight Howard talking about growth with the Lakers, including his change in mentality and learning to lead by example. Howard was certainly not shy about praising Bryant.
