L.A. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant did not practice on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, after sitting out last night’s 101-84 win against Orlando. Bryant’s status is unclear for Sunday’s game against Portland. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Lakers forward Wesley Johnson will retake his starting small forward spot in tonight’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center after missing the previous three games because of a strained right hip flexor. But it still remains unclear if Kobe Bryant will suit up after missing two of the past three games to rest his 36-year-old body.
Lakers coach Byron Scott reported that Bryant has experienced “a little body soreness,” a similar situation that prompted Scott to sit him last month for three consecutive games.
“We gave him four or five days off and he came back and looked rejuvenated,” Scott said. “We’re still trying to be cautious with that.”
Lakers guard Wayne Ellington will start at shooting guard if Bryant cannot play. But Scott plans to have more followup conversations with Bryant leading into tipoff.
“I trust him,” Scott said. When he tells me he feels okay, To me, that means it’s not good enough right now. He’s allowing me to make that decision. When I ask him, ‘Can you play.” he says, ‘I’m sore, but I can play.’ That’s when I say, ‘just rest tonight.'”
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