Mike D’Antoni on integrating Kobe: ‘It’s a good problem to have’

Nov 24, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D

The Los Angeles Lakers are not in a bad spot, really — you know, apart from being mediocre at 7-7 and in the 4th spot in the Pacific Division.

On Sunday night, after their latest win over the Sacramento Kings 100-86, Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said that the Lakers have a good problem to have, when asked about the impending return of Kobe Bryant.

D'Antoni on integrating Kobe: "You’re going to add maybe the best player in the game. I think that’s a good problem to have."

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 25, 2013

He also made it clear that Kobe will not play Tuesday against in Washington against the Wizards.

Mike D'Antoni reiterated after Sunday's win that Kobe would not play on Tuesday.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 25, 2013

About a week ago, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Kobe Bryant was cleared from his torn Achilles injury and had returned to practice. Then, Kobe proceeded to inform reporters that he was “ahead of schedule”.

Still, I’m sure he just wants to get a few weeks of practice under his belt before he goes out and debuts.

It should be noted that Kobe has missed a couple practices due to “foot soreness”, which the Lakers have refused to call a setback. So we won’t.

I’m still betting on December 1. That’ll be Kobe’s debut.

But about that quote, Mike. The best player in the world? OKAY…

Topics: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA

Michael Saenz

I'm a University of Texas-Pan American graduate, who now freelances in South Texas. A normal citizen by day, a sports geek by night. Sometime's I'm smart, sometime's I'm dumb. Most importantly, I always have an opinion. I'm kind of a big deal (Not really). You'll probably disagree with me. A lot. That's a good thing.

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I agree that pre-Achilles injury he was the best player in the league. We’ll find out if that still holds true post-Achilles. I wouldn’t count him out. LeBron is the only player close to him, and LeBron doesn’t have the mental makeup or the shooting ability that Kobe has. LeBron’s advantage is size and athleticism (and youth). Only Kobe & LeBron have the ability to pretty much win games all by themselves. Durant proved last season he can’t do that. Is Kobe still the same guy he was before the injury? I guess we’ll find out in December.