The Black Mamba is still inching closer to a return from a devastating Achilles tear that sidelined him at the tail end of the 2012-13 campaign. The squad’s playoff hopes and dreams depend on the veteran guard, but—so far—it seems to be staying afloat in his absence.
Let’s check in on Bryant’s recovery and the status of some other injured L.A. players in Friday’s Lakers roundup.
Kobe Still Weeks Away
Bryant returned to practice almost two weeks ago, but still has plenty of gym time left to put in before he will feel comfortable going full speed in an NBA game.
According to ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin, the 17-year veteran said he is “probably weeks” away from his 2013-14 debut.
Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News noted that Bryant wants to test his explosiveness and needs a few more practices under his belt to do exactly that.
Speculation on when Bryant will actually return will likely continue until the Mamba finally laces up his sneakers and checks into a game for the Lakers.
However, it has only been a shade over seven months since Bryant initially suffered the injury, putting him towards the early end of the six-to-nine month timetable he was originally given.
As long as Kobe continues to practice without suffering setbacks, the much-anticipated debut should happen sooner than later.
After receiving criticism for signing a two-year, $48.5 million extension, you can tell the Mamba is ready to get back on the hardwood to prove his doubters wrong.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
