The NBA season finally tips off tonight and the Lakers face off against the Dallas Mavericks in the late game, whether Kobe Bryant suits up or not is still up in the air. The Lakers guard has not practiced – or played – since straining his right foot in an exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings almost 10-days ago, his teammates say that is a first for him, and coach Mike Brown admits that Bryant will be a game-time decision.
“He’s a tough, tough cookie,” Brown said. “He’s been through a lot and bounced back quickly from a lot of stuff. You know it had to be serious with him being out this long. I said, ‘Hey, we got to have other guys step up. We have to have other guys ready to play.’ I don’t think Dallas is going to postpone this game if he isn’t healthy.”
Should Bryant miss the opener, the Lakers will start with Jodie Meeks at shooting guard.
