Teammates confident in Kobe Bryant before LA Lakers training camp

The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant didn’t practice Tuesday in Phoenix and may not play in today’s game in New Orleans to preserve his 36-year-old body. Hans Gutknecht ‑ Staff Photographer

The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant was cleared for practice earlier this month after tearing his rotator cuff in January. Hans Gutknecht ‑ Staff Photographer

Lakers rookie Larry Nance Jr. called Kobe Bryant’s mere presence in the room at the Lakers’ media day on Monday “electrifying.”

Bryant commanded the attention of a gym’s worth of reporters, and the 37-year-old was a primary topic of conversation in interviews with other Lakers players as well as he prepares for his 20th NBA season.

Bryant was cleared for practice earlier this month after suffering a right shoulder injury in January. His teammates haven’t seen him in action on the court yet, but they expressed nothing by confidence in Bryant.

“It’s Kobe,” center Tarik Black said. “You know he’s been in the gym. He’s put up a million shots. He’s probably in better shape than even myself. He’s probably going to be able to outrun me because that’s Kobe and that’s what he does.”
Continue reading “Teammates confident in Kobe Bryant before LA Lakers training camp” »

Tarik Black practices Saturday, but no timetable for his Lakers debut

Recently acquired Tarik Black practiced Saturday with the Lakers, but Lakers coach Byron Scott still does not have a timetable for Black's debut with the Lakers.  Photo by John Raoux/AP

Recently acquired Tarik Black practiced Saturday with the Lakers, but Lakers coach Byron Scott still does not have a timetable for Black’s debut with the Lakers. Photo by John Raoux/AP

By Tony Ciniglio
Daily News Staff Writer

Newly acquired Tarik Black practiced with the Lakers on Saturday, but Coach Bryon Scott said he did not have a timetable for when Black might make his debut.

“It’s just me trying to find him playing time, and I will,” Scott said. “I don’t know Continue reading “Tarik Black practices Saturday, but no timetable for his Lakers debut” »