D'Antoni on Kobe: 'A few games before he comes back' but non-committal

It's November 20, Kobe Bryant says he could return sometimes this month and coach Mike D'Antoni is now saying Bryant won't be back for "a few games."

SPECULATE!

D'Antoni's exact quote on Wednesday was, "I want to be a little careful because we're going to have a few games before he comes back."

That's a downgrade from "a bunch" to "a few" between Sunday and Wednesday. The lack of finality in his comments led to further questions, with D'Antoni saying, "I am. I think," when asked if he's ruling Bryant out for Friday's game.

"Like I said, I'd be very surprised. But I don't want to say something that I eat my words, but I don't think so."

Well, thanks for leaving us plenty to speculate about, Mike.

If it's not Friday at home against Golden State, perhaps it will be Sunday, a home date against the Sacramento Kings. The team goes on a three-game road trip after that, and you have to think Bryant would want the home crowd pop for his return.