“Very sore”

December 7th, 2007, 3:04 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Curtis Zupke, Staff writer

By CURTIS ZUPKE

The Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO - Kobe Bryant did a rare post-practice media session Friday and summed up his bruised left shoulder in five words.

“Sore,” Bryant said. “Very sore right now.”

Bryant did not practice Friday but, like the rest of the team, will take advantage of three days off in between games. The Lakers play Golden State on Sunday and then have another three days off.

Bryant got tangled up with Denver’s Eduardo Najera in the final seconds of the first quarter Wednesday and fell while he dribbled up the court. It looked worse that it was on replays, and Bryant returned to the game.

Bryant appeared lethargic Friday but said he felt fine and was not stricken by the flu-like symptoms that hit the team on its recent road trip. Will his shoulder hold up for Sunday?

“I’ll be OK, he said. “It’s just something that structurally isn’t going to get any worse.”

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