After Jordan Clarkson left Thursday’s game with a shoulder injury, it was easy to think the worst. While he said he thought the injury was “minor” he also noted there was a sharp pain and intimated his shoulder had popped out. Further, his head coach was saying Clarkson might not play in the season opener which was, at the time, still nearly a week away.
Thankfully Clarkson’s MRI came back normal and he was said to be “day to day” with a “sore” shoulder. That first bit of good news settled everyone down, but today’s news is even better.
Jordan Clarkson seems fine after seeing doc yesterday for sore shoulder. He took part in practice today.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 24, 2015
And then there’s this:
Clarkson said he expects to play Wednesday.
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) October 24, 2015
All and all, then, this is fantastic news. A clean MRI, a full practice two days after the injury, and the expectation he will play is about as far from what anyone might have expected after Clarkson left Thursday’s game. Yet, here we are.
While Clarkson is back, however, Kobe is not yet. While he got up some shots and received treatment, he did not practice. Byron Scott hopes Kobe will practice some tomorrow and ramp up to full sessions on Monday and Tuesday in advance of Wednesday’s opener, but that’s just a hope. And, honestly, I’m not even sure there’s reason to be optimistic about this.
It was two weeks ago that Kobe left the game with what has been called, essentially, a lower leg bruise. At the time being removed from the game and not returning was called precautionary. The sentiment being expressed by Byron was that Kobe was “fine” and that he thought he’d be back on the playing floor in no time. Of course, that didn’t happen. In fact, he’s yet to practice fully since the injury, instead getting up shots in some sessions while also receiving treatment.
In other words, exactly what was said happened on Saturday. Is it possible he turns the corner and is ready by Wednesday? Sure. Is it also possible that this is more drawn out than what’s been implied and that he could actually be more hurt than originally let on? Yes, again. In fact, since he’s already missed more time than it was thought he would, the latter already seems to be true.
Hopefully, Kobe is back in practice tomorrow and he’s able to play on Wednesday. But until it actually happens, it’s more than fair to be skeptical. I know I am.
Ryan P says
This so leads me to believe Kobe is done after this year. He couldn’t even make it through the preseason…
KevTheBold says
Keeping cards close is always the best policy; however the truth eventually reveals itself.
For a while there, I was actually enjoying a Kobeless team,..until that 2nd game against the warriors, when I almost forgot the valuable lessen our youngsters were being taught by the champs, and wished Kobe were there to strike back.
Now I just wonder what’s better for the kids,..to learn by example of Kobe’s ferociousness, or via their own failures and triumphs.
Obviously the answer is percentages of each, however with each comes pros and cons.
I just wish or hope that Kobe decides that his final chapter, the one which will endure, is to send these young hopefuls off with all the tools and tricks he has learned over his illustrious career.
In other words, a fully fired torch.
Oldtimer says
There you go, we still need Kobe for the sake of entertainment and wishing a miracle could come back against the Dubs. What is the point of disparaging Kobe on his last year, is he not in full support of the rookies? Is he monopolizing all the preseason games? Can’t win skeptics, hate Kobe when is around and hate Kobe when he is absent. I think we will realize his importance to the team once he is gone yet, the fact remains he is the only Laker player on the floor who contributed 5 rings, that’s why people still cheer for Kobe.