Kobe 'excused' from practice after neighborhood robbery

Kobe Bryant was given an "excused absence" from the Lakers' practice this morning after an armed robbery in his Newport Beach neighborhood Tuesday night, reports TMZ.com

The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday morning that Newport Beach police were notified of the robbery in the gated Pelican Ridge neighborhood around 10:15 p.m. when someone called 911 from the home's backyard. Nine people were in the home, and three were attacked by the intruders. One victim was taken to a hospital while the other two were treated on the scene.

Three have been arrested in the robbery, but two other suspects are still at large.

Though he missed practice, Bryant is still expected to play in tonight's game against the Jazz at the Staples Center.