Report: Kobe Bryant misses shootaround with gastroenteritis

May 8, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after making a 3-point basket during game five of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals against the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center. The Nuggets defeated the Lakers 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

To play or not to play?

Kobe Bryant missed the Los Angeles Lakers shootaround with gastroenteritis, according to CBS Sports. Kobe is officially listed as questionable and his status will not be determined until 90 minutes before tip off. Game 6 between the Lakers and Denver Nuggets is scheduled to tip at 9:30 p.m. CST.

Per CBS Sports. “Gastroenteritis is officially described as an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves both the stomach and small intestine resulting in diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain and cramping. Doesn’t exactly sound like something you can easily play through.”

Kobe does have a history of playing through many injuries, though. Kobe has played well against Nuggets so far. He averaged 31.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals on 43 percent shooting in 40 minutes per game this series.

The Nuggets have been outscored by 3.2 points per 100 possessions with Kobe on the court, according to NBA Stats Cube. They have, however, outscored the Lakers by 12 points per 100 possessions with Kobe on the bench.

Whether Kobe’s effectiveness will be limited — assuming he plays tonight — will be of utmost importance going into a pivotal Game 6.