On Friday morning, the Los Angeles Lakers met for morning shootaround, and Mike D’Antoni confirmed Kobe Bryant is “out” against the Golden State Warriors. Also, Steve Nash came discussed his injury process denied retirement talk that has been swirling since the Canadian point guard was shut down due to a nerve issue.
Nash adamantly denied thoughts of retirement and maintained that he had a contract to finish.
“I don’t know where that came from,” Nash said about the retirement talk. “I have about 18 months left of basketball. I want the most out of this I can possible get.”
“I got a long life without basketball, so I don’t want to give in too soon,” Nash added.
With regards to Bryant, D’Antoni confirmed that Bryant did not take part in the morning shootaround, but he said that was “normal procedure” given Bryant was not taking part in Friday’s game.
“It was kind of good that (Bryant) backed off just a hair, so we can have one practice with the team we’re going to play with (against the Warriors),” D’Antoni said about Bryant taking Thursday’s practice off to rest his sore left foot.
With regards to re-injecting Bryant into the lineup, D’Antoni said that the return was equally likely on the road or at home.
“I think (Bryant) just wants to play whenever he’s ready,” D’Antoni said on Friday morning. “Whether it falls on home or away, I don’t think it’ll matter.”
Apart from Nash and Bryant, the Lakers also have Chris Kaman listed as doubtful against the Warriors (full Lakers-Warriors preview). He did not take part in full shootaround due to back soreness. If Kaman is limited, Gasol may well get extra minutes and opportunities to increase his donation check for Philippines Super Typhoon Haiyan relief. Gasol is donating $1,000 per point he scores during Friday night’s game.
The Lakers host the Warriors at Staples Center. Tipoff is 7:30 pm PST
