On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers celebrated the eight-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game. Since changing his number for no. 8 to no. 24, Bryant’s achievement has not dulled with time. No other player has approached the feat in the eight years that have passed.
Also looking into the past, Pau Gasol shared an 11-year-old picture from All-Star Weekend in Atlanta. Next to Gasol, a pre-teen Kendall Marshall poses for a picture. The picture spread across the internet and LA sports scene, bringing smiles of wonderment across faces worldwide. Eleven years later, the pair now starts on the same team, incredible.
Back in the present day, Nick Young and the Los Angeles Lakers woke up in Miami after escaping the freezing cold of Chicago. Florida, like California, provides relief from the harsh winter experiences of the North and Northeast.
LeBron James and the Miami Heat may be lurking on Thursday, but the Lakers took in the sun and expect to practice on Wednesday. Incidentally, Wednesday will be the first practice for the team since Jan. 13, some nine days. Wednesday will also be Manny Harris’ first practice with the team, but it could also be his last.
Harris joined the Lakers on a 10-day contract on Jan. 16, so his 10 days would be up after the back-to-back against the Heat and the Orlando Magic. At that point, the Lakers can offer a second 10-day contract to the player. After two 10-day contracts, the Lakers will need to make a decision on whether they want to keep Harris on for the remainder of the season or vacate the final open roster spot.
Xavier Henry, who has been out due to a sprained knee, is also expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Earlier in the week, the Lakers announced that Henry would be tested hard during Wednesday’s practice, but he would not be available for Thursday’s game against the Heat.
Whether Henry is available for the games in Orlando and New York remains to be seen, but his return to the team may have an impact on the Lakers' decision to hold onto Harris' for the long-term.
Also, Lakers PR announced that Bryant would be re-evaluated upon the team’s return to Los Angeles. Steve Nash is also expected to be re-evaluated at that point.
