After a severe stomach virus that had us all worried, Kobe Bryant–vomiting, diarrea, fever, and everything that goes with it–is cleared to play tonight.

Did you expect anything less from the King?

But all anybody is wondering is: Will this be enough to get Bynum to step up? The “consistently inconsistent” Bynum has performed best when forced to take his game to a higher level in Bryant’s absence.

Case in point: When Bryant sat out his most recent slew of games, Bynum knew what he had to do and did it. When mentored and pushed by Bynum, MWP, and “rap music” Bynum knew what he had to do and did it.

But what kind of leadership can Bynum provide for the Lakers if he only performs when someone else lights a fire underneath him? Is this the kind of gameplay that will get Lakers management to renew his option?

But this is for the future. Right now, get your game on! Lakers vs. Nuggets! Go LA Go!