D'Antoni says Bryant will still miss 'a bunch' of games

Lakers Coach Mike D'Antoni downplayed Kobe Bryant's activity level in Saturday's practice, saying it was too early to tie it to an official return from a torn Achilles' tendon.

Bryant had been sidelined since mid-April but returned to the practice court for some drills Saturday and light shooting Sunday.

“I know we're all excited, everybody's excited, and I'm sure he's excited, but [it's] a little bit premature right now,” D'Antoni said Sunday.

“He's a presence, no doubt, and we need that presence, especially at the end of games,” D'Antoni said. “But we've got games to win and there's going to be a bunch of them before he comes back."