It might seem hard to imagine. But Kobe Bryant’s workload has gotten bigger.
The Lakers’ star participated in what coach Byron Scott described as a “light practice” on Wednesday that entailed five-on-four and five-on-five half-court drills. Bryant also plans to practice on Thursday in preparation for when the Lakers (8-17) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-13) on Friday at Staples Center.
Bryant had also practiced last Thursday in what became memorable for his profanity laced tirade during portions of a five-on-five scrimmage open to the media. But for the previous two weeks, Scott had sat Bryant out of both practice and shootarounds after believing his fatigue contributed to poor shooting performances.
“He seems to have more pep in his step for whatever reason. Maybe he’s getting his second wind,” Scott said of the 36-year-old Bryant, who played only six games last season with injuries to his left Achilles tendon and left knee. “We still all tend to forget he hasn’t played a year and a half of basketball since he was out. He probably still has some rust on him. But right now he’s getting that second wind.”
Scott had indicated last week he hoped to practice Bryant when the Lakers had multiple days in between games. The Lakers had off on Tuesday following Monday’s loss in Indiana that concluded a 2-1 trip. Bryant has averaged 23 points albeit on only 34.5 percent shooting in his past five games.
Meanwhile, Lakers forward Jordan Hill sat out of Wednesday’s practice because of an upper respiratory infection. But Scott believes Hill will “be all right.”
RELATED:
Lakers’ Carlos Boozer giving back after son’s struggle with sickle cell anemia
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant the sportswriter credits high school English teacher
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant finds it ‘very challenging’ to balance workload, recovery
Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com