October 31, 2006
LOS ANGELES -- The Suns open the season tonight against the Lakers, but they will have to wait for their first shot at Kobe Bryant.
In a message posted on his personal website, kb24.com, Tuesday afternoon, Bryant said his surgically repaired knee which kept him out for the entire preseason still won't let him play and he will sit out tonight's nationally televised game with Phoenix.
"I can't wait to play. The energy of opening night is always special," Bryant said. "We are beginning our journey. We will face many obstacles and challenges, but we will face them together as one. The excitement of tonight was beginning to cloud my judgment of playing, I want to play, But I am not there yet.
I am rounding third base and will be home soon."
Meanwhile, the Suns announced Wednesday's home opener against the Los Angeles Clippers is a sellout. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.