Kobe sits out again

Kobe Bryant did not practice with his teammates again today, but he’s likely to play in the Lakers’ game Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bryant has been nursing a sprained left ankle since Saturday. The Lakers can clinch a playoff berth with a victory, so you can expect Bryant to play. He hasn’t missed a game this season. Bryant didn’t talk to reporters for a second consecutive day, but here’s what Lakers coach Phil Jackson said:

“We’ll just see. We’ll see how it is tomorrow and we’ll go from there. He says he’s got good strength in his ankle. It’s still swollen quite a bit, but he’s got strength in it and feels he can play.”