Lakers’ coach Byron Scott said he expects Kobe Bryant and D’Angelo Russell to play Thursday in Sacramento. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
SACRAMENTO — A key member of both the Lakers’ present and future will return for Thursday’s game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena.
Kobe Bryant will play after missing the previous three games because of soreness in his right shoulder. That marks ann unsurprising development considering this will mark Bryant’s final game here after the Lakers had contentious playoff battles with the Kings earlier this decade.
“This is a little more special to him because of the rivalry they had with the Lakers,” Scott said. “That was one of the biggest reasons he wanted to play tonight. It’s something he has some fond memories of. They were great series. It was a true rivalry. Both teams didn’t like each other. But they respected each other. It’ll be fun for him tonight.”
Rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell will also play after missing most of the Lakers’ practice on Monday and their loss on Tuesday to Golden State because of a sore throat.
“No relapse besides just playing young and dumb,” Scott joked about Russell. “He had a lot more pep in his step and the usual D’Angelo that I’m seeing wanting to make bets and tell jokes. He’s back to normal.”
In what has become a usual practice this season, Bryant did not attend the Lakers’ morning shootaround. But Scott plans to start Bryant at small forward and play him between 28 and 32 minutes because of both his absence and to ensure he plays in Friday’s game against Oklahoma City at Staples Center.
“Fatigue might be a little bit of a factor,” Scott said. “He hasn’t played in six days. But he’s very anxious to get back on the floor.”
Then, the Kings plan to showcase a video tribute commemorating Bryant’s career. Unlike the days when Kings fans jeered him with Cowbells, both the Kings and Lakers are anticipating a different reaction.
Said Scott: “They’ll show their appreciation for one of the greatest players of all time.”
As for Russell, he participated in morning shootaround and was completing extensive work with Lakers development coach Thomas Scott with ball-handling drills and post-up work. He will come off the bench as he has for the past month, though Scott said lineup changes could happen for Sunday’s game against Utah.
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