Are the Clippers truly contenders for an NBA championship?
Kobe Bryant thinks they are, without a doubt.
"For sure," Bryant said, when asked the question in a video by the Los Angeles Times. "They're definitely one of the top contenders.
"They're very spectacular, they're fun to watch."
On Friday night, the local rivals square off at 10:30 p.m. Bryant and the Lakers have struggled to find their way and enter at 15-16, while the Clippers have been one of the NBA's biggest stories. Blake Griffin, Chirs Paul and company sport a 25-8 record and before losing their two most recent games, the Clippers reeled off 17 straight victories.
LeBron misses practice, hopes to play Friday
LeBron James sat out practice Thursday to receive treatment on his bruised right knee, and rightfully so.
James is playing 38.4 minutes per game this season and has played 48 and 42 minutes in his last two games, both overtime victories for the Heat.
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According to ESPN's Heat Index (via ProBasketballTalk), when asked if he would play Friday, James responded: "I hope so."
The Bulls visit Miami Friday night to take on the 22-8 Heat at 8 p.m.