Kobe Bryant is making steady progress in his injury recovery, although the Los Angeles Lakers star is likely still weeks away from a return to the court. Before Friday nights game with the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant said hes running on flat ground a little bit more aggressively and improving the flexibility in his ankle. Bryant also works out regularly on a special treadmill at the Lakers training complex. While Bryant isnt projecting a return date, he has said he would need about three weeks of conditioning work before returning to practice. He thinks this week counts toward that total. This week its done pretty well, actually, Bryant said. Its been OK. Ive been able to push pretty hard and come back, push hard again. The recovery of it has been pretty good. The fourth-leading scorer in NBA history tore his Achilles tendon in April during a game against Golden State. He hasnt practiced with the Lakers since then, but his concerns are more about his overall athleticism than the Achilles. Its not anything to do with the tendon necessarily, Bryant said. Its going from having the ankle locked up for so long. It wouldnt move. You have that limited range of motion, I dont have to tell you the domino effect that has on the other parts of the body. While hes resting, Bryant is excited about the prospects for the Lakers, who are hoping to avoid missing the playoffs for just the second time in Bryants career, now in its 18th season. Although Bryant is often doing rehabilitation work while his teammates practice, Bryant is spending his time on the shelf mentoring several young Lakers, specifically swingmen Nick Young, Wes Johnson and Xavier Henry. Bryant effusively praised Henry, saying he had no idea of Henrys skills while the fourth-year swingman played for New Orleans. Until he can get on the court with them, Bryant knows he must show patience — something not always thought to be his strength. Thats a misconception, Bryant said. Theres nothing I can do about it. I measure my injuries very well. If its something I can play through and it wont get worse, Ill play. If its something that will get worse, I have to make those decisions.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:15:18 +0000
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