Kobe Bryant upgrades his season debut from an ‘F’ to a ‘D’ grade

Kobe Bryant stayed up until 2 a.m. Monday, watching video of his season debut against Toronto.

His opinion of his game was lower than low after the Lakers lost Sunday to the Raptors, 106-94. He gave himself a failing grade.

He upgraded his game to a “D� while talking to reporters Monday afternoon.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was,� Bryant said after a light practice Monday morning. “A few turnovers and things like that. A lot of it was just mistiming. Made some pretty good reads, got my guys some pretty good looks.�

Bryant scored only nine points on two-for-nine shooting. He had eight turnovers and four assists in 28 minutes, his first action after an eight-month absence because of a torn Achilles’ tendon.

He wasn’t worried about disrupting team chemistry, the Lakers sitting with a better-than-expected 10-9 record before his return.

“Chemistry will be fine. It’s not like we were gangbusters before,� he said. “Guys know how to play. We’ll be fine.�

His game will need to be watered, Bryant said, comparing the next few weeks to an exhibition season.

“I’ve always had sucky preseasons. Always,� he said. “It’s just a matter of just kind of building your legs, finding your rhythm. Now there’s a little bit more pressure obviously than in a preseason game. The crowd’s a little bit more worried for me in between games to get ready.�

Bryant averaged 27.3 points and six assists last season.

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