Kobe also unsure about All-Star Game

[Andrew]

Source

Kobe Bryant isn’t sure if he’ll play in this weekend’s NBA All-Star game in Dallas because of his sore left ankle.

Bryant missed his second consecutive game Monday night against San Antonio, which lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 101-89.

“If I’m not able to play, I won’t play. But I’m healthy, I will,” he said.

Bryant said he can’t push off on his left foot.

“I can’t move to play. Can’t go,” he said, adding he would be a game-time decision Wednesday at Utah. “If I’m ready to go, I’ll play.”

Lakers trainer Gary Vitti would like Bryant to rest through All-Star weekend, capped by Sunday’s game. Bryant said he couldn’t commit either way.

So, Roy and Paul are definitely out, with Billups and Kaman replacing them. From the sounds of it, Melo and Kobe will both be out so it's looking like we'll have two more replacements by the end of the week with their replacements in their starting lineup being at George Karl's discretion.

I think no matter who the replacements are, if Melo and/or Kobe sit the game out then the most appropriate thing to do would be to move Dirk into the starting five alongside Duncan and if both sit it out, perhaps Durant could get the starting nod as well.

[NovU]

Today's game against SAS was impressive. Even without Kobe and Bynum, they pretty much abused Duncan and Parker even though their numbers look respectable. I got the feeling that Duncan clearly isn't the Duncan a few years back. It's not fair to solely blame it all on Duncan, but his post moves and signature off the glass shot have regressed. Teammates still find him, but I think SAS needs more than that. Jefferson in the meantime seriously needs to find a way to contribute. He often seemed to be lost in what he needs to do.

Anyways, back on the topic, I think it's going to be better for Kobe to sit out this All Star game. He could use time off from basketball considering injuries he's been through lately.

"If it can heal while I’m playing, I’ll play. But if it’s the type of injury that playing will make it worse, I won’t play."

[The X]

I kinda wish all the injuries were to the East squad since there were a lot more snubs (Josh Smith, David Lee & Bogut) on that side.

[Andrew]

I know what you mean. Not that I'd wish injury on anyone on the East squad, but I was certainly hoping that if replacements were in order in the East, Bogut would have a shot.