Los Angeles Lakers guards Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are expected to play before the All-Star break. With the Lakers winning only two of their last 10 games, Bryant and Nash's return to the lineup would be a huge boost to an injury-decimated roster.
Bryant, who was selected on Thursday as an NBA All-Star, could return before the Feb. 16 All-Star game. Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said he expects Bryant to play before the All-Star break, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Bryant received the fifth most votes in the All-Star fan balloting despite playing in only six games this season. Although Bryant acknowledged it was an honor to be voted to his 16th All-Star game, he admitted other players were more deserving of the invitation.
"With all due to respect to the fans that voted me in, I certainly appreciate that and they know I appreciate that, but you got to do the right thing," Bryant said on Thursday, via Yahoo! Sports. "You got to reward these young guys for the work they have been putting in."
Bryant returned in December after tearing his Achilles tendon last season; he played in six games before fracturing the lateral tibial plateau of his left knee on Dec. 17 against the Memphis Grizzlies. His expected recovery time was listed as six weeks.
D'Antoni also said he believes Nash may play as early as next Tuesday, according to the L.A. Times. Nash has struggled with nerve root issues stemming from breaking his leg last season. He's played limited minutes in only six games this season and has been sidelined since November.
Nash, who has one more year left on his deal, has said he intends to finish out his contract and not retire early.
