I'm shocked Kobe missed today's practice. He must really need the rest.

Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum did not participate in today’s practice, the Lakers’ last practice before tomorrow’s NBA Finals Game 1. (Mike Bresnahan, LA Times)

Neither Bynum nor Kobe practiced today. Not a huge difference from the past few weeks, but notable because it’s the day before the Finals.

It seems to be the routine of late that Kobe misses practice, but to miss the last practice before the Finals is especially jarring. As well as he played against the Jazz and Suns, Kobe must be in a whole lot of pain to sit out such an important practice.

For those who don’t remember, both Kobe and Bynum have had fluid drained from their knees this postseason. Kobe’s drainage occurred in the first round (after the first round?), while Bynum’s took place only a few days ago.

I will update as more news comes out regarding Kobe’s injury. (And Bynum’s too.)