While the news may not have always been positive—culminating with superstar center Dwight Howard’s defection to the Houston Rockets—it has certainly been plentiful for this franchise.
On paper, this club is currently stuck in the NBA’s version of purgatory—stuck between wiping the slate, bottoming out and rebuilding, and actually contending for a championship and making more than a token playoff appearance.
Let’s take a look at the Lakers’ most recent plans to escape this situation, update you on Kobe Bryant’s recovery from his infamous Achilles injury, highlight some training camp invites and more.
Buss Says Bryant Back in Preseason
Jim Buss’ tenure as the vice president of the Lakers has been tumultuous at best, and he may be in hot water yet again.
Last week, the executive told NBATV (via ESPN’s Arash Markazi) that the Black Mamba is ahead of schedule and he expects his star player to participate in at least one of squad’s slate of preseason contests.
Speaking on the recovery, Buss had some positive praise and insight into the process:
He's real sharp in taking care of himself and he's not going to rush anything just to get back and prove a point. He's going to come back when he's right. He's a machine. He's inhuman. I see him coming back at the beginning of this season. I can't believe how much he's progressed so far.
While Buss didn’t reveal any state secrets or say anything over the top, Bryant may not appreciate his comments.
The two have clashed in the past—Buss hired former coach Mike Brown without consulting the veteran shooting guard—and these latest comments could cause more turmoil within the organization.<...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
