Kobe, Nash to be re-examined after Grammy trip

Published Jan. 22, 2014 2:58 p.m. ET

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To return or not return?

As the Kobe debate rolls on, the Lakers on Wednesday announced that Bryant's injured left knee will be re-evaluated when the Lakers return from their Grammy trip on Monday or Tuesday, making it likely that we'll see the Black Mamba back in action sooner rather than later.

Bryant, who signed a two-year extension through June 2016, fractured his knee on Dec. 17, just six games after returning from a torn left achilles. Expected to be re-examined in February, Bryant is seemingly ahead of schedule, although some Laker fans might cringe at the thought of an early return. He's been relegated to bike drills until the fracture fully heals, and Bryant says although it's challenging, it's all about staying focused.

"It's unfortunate, but you have two options: one is to lay down and not do anything about it, and the second is to get up and get to work," Bryant said on Monday.   

The injury bug continues to haunt the Lakers, who didn't even have enough bodies for a 5-on-5 scrimmage Wednesday in Miami. And of all those injuries - Pau Gasol (foot), Xavier Henry (knee), Jordan Farmar (hamstring), Steve Blake (elbow), Steve Nash (nerve root irritation) - Gasol will be the only one suiting up against the Heat on Thursday. Nash, who hasn't played since Nov 10, will also see a doctor upon his return to L.A.

So while the world awaits word on Bryant, there's always reminiscing about the golden days:

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