Sport
Kobe Bryant return dimmed as the LA Lakers fall to the Toronto Raptors
Kobe Bryant (l) dribbles the ball against Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan (r). PHOTO/USA TODAY Sports
Nearly 8 months after Kobe Bryant limped off the Lakers’ home court with a torn Achilles tendon and a career in doubt, he struggled to keep his composure when he finally stepped back onto the same hardwood.
And though his comeback night didn’t quite go to script, Bryant couldn’t help reflecting on the work necessary to get back on that court, and all the months of steady labor ahead to reclaim his game.
Bryant had 9 points and 8 rebounds in his season debut, but Amir Johnson of the Toronto Raptors scored a career-high 32 points in the Toronto Raptors’ 106-94 victory over Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Bryant began his 18th NBA season by going 2-for-9 with 4 assists and 8 turnovers in 28 minutes. He got injured on April 12 and persevered through several months of rehabilitation to return for Los Angeles’ 20th game of the new season, only to struggle with his shot, his timing and his new teammates.
“My rhythm is completely out of sync,” Bryant said. “But this is a start, and I guess a start is good.”
Adoring fans cheered Bryant’s every move and forgave every misstep, but he couldn’t rally the Lakers late despite another huge game by Los Angeles’ reserves. Bryant was touched by the fans’ reception and his teammates’ encouragement, although his ruthless competitive nature chafed against his natural emotions before the opening tip.
“You try to control it as much as you can, but you can’t help thinking about the hard work,” Bryant said. “You try to put it to the side as much as possible and do your work. It makes you appreciate the game, this franchise and this city, and all we have been through.”
