Kobe Bryant's back at Lakers practice, fired up

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is hopeful for a return to game action to start the regular season on Wednesday. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Kobe Bryant was back at practice Sunday, impressing teammates and coaches after sitting out almost two weeks because of a bruised lower leg.

He shot well and didn't look too winded, Coach Byron Scott said, putting Bryant firmly in line for Wednesday's season opener against Minnesota.

"He was shooting in peoples' faces, they'd foul him for an 'and-one'… turnaround right, turnaround left, talking trash," forward Metta World Peace said. "Somebody decided to talk to Kobe. That was the wrong thing to do."

Turns out, two players fired up Bryant by trash-talking…