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GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
2015 October 1 SPT - HSA photo by George F. Lee. The Los Angeles Lakers basketball team practiced at the Stan Sheriff Center on Thursday. Kobe Bryant with the ball.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant will play in Sunday’s preseason exhibition against the Utah Jazz at the Stan Sheriff Center, he told media after today’s training camp practice at the University of Hawaii.
"I’m definitely playing," Bryant said. "To come all the way out here, people come to the game and I’m sitting on the bench, that’s not cool."
Bryant has been a partial participant in Lakers activities as he’s worked his way back from a shoulder injury that ended his 2014-15 season prematurely. He was in on the team’s 5-on-5 scrimmage at the end of practice.
Sunday’s 3 p.m. contest and Tuesday’s 6 p.m. rematch are both sold out.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, was asked a follow-up question about caring about whether or not the local fans saw him play.
"Of course," he replied. "Always, always."
Coach Byron Scott said prior to Bryant’s comments that he had not settled on a starting lineup, but that Bryant "probably" would play in the game.
