The Black Mamba is reportedly leaving the Los Angeles Lakers training camp for a few days to make a trip to Germany in order to undergo platelet-rich plasma therapy on his ankle and knee.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding, Bryant is expected to be back early next week:
Kobe went out of the country to do whatever it is and is expected back early next week.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) October 3, 2013 These procedures are unrelated to the Achilles injury, but they show Bryant’s fanatical devotion to returning to the court at a high level and as quickly as possible.
Hopefully, the superstar shooting guard can participate in more activities upon his return. As per ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin, head coach Mike D’Antoni noted that Bryant was doing some set shooting earlier in the week, but he still could not jump:
D'Antoni said Kobe did some set shooting today w/o jumping. Still no timetable for return
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 2, 2013 Kobe will need to make some major strides if he’s going to be ready for the season opener. There are only a few short weeks left until the Lakers take on the rival Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 29.
Bryant seemed sure that he would be back in the lineup by that time, according to an interview with The National last week (h/t Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News).
“Now it’s about cutting the recovery time, I should be OK [for the start of the season.]”
It’s a lofty goal, but, even at the age of 35, the Black Mamba has proven time and time again that he’s capable of superhuman feats. A return in time for the 2013-14 season tip-off would be one of his greatest exploits yet.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers