Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant, right, sits on the bench Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, as he smiles at fans in the second half against the Heat in Miami. The Heat won 101-88. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
ORLANDO — Kobe Bryant will sit out when the Lakers (1-5) play the Orlando Magic (3-5) on Wednesday at Amway Center because of back soreness. This marks the second game in consecutive games the Lakers’ 37-year-old star will miss after reporting his back tightening up.
Bryant said on Tuesday night that he hurt his back during training camp through normal “wear and tear” of a 20-year NBA career. But he reported minimal issues up until Tuesday. Although Bryant downplayed the injury, he admitted he “had trouble walking.” He also planned to have what he called “around-the-clock treatment” including icing, massage therapy and rest.
This represents a familiar scene for Bryant, who has nursed three season-ending injuries in consecutive seasons. Through six games this season, Bryant has averaged only 16.5 points per game on a career-low 32 percent from the field and a 20.8 percent clip from 3-point range.
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