Lakers promise not to rush Bryant back
While Los Angeles star Kobe Bryant is recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon, neither he nor the Lakers will say when the 35-year-old future hall of famer will be back to begin his 18th season.
"He's progressing well and has met all the targets and milestones of his rehab, and we expect him to make a full recovery," Lakers spokesman John Black told The Los Angeles Times on Monday. "One of the key issues is to make sure he builds up strength and endurance not only in his Achilles' but also in his legs, knees, back and core."
Bryant was injured on April 12, and he first said he would need six to nine months to recover. The Lakers travel to China for two exhibition games in October. Bryant is not expected to play in those two games or any of the other six preseason Lakers games.
The Lakers' kick off the regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 29. It is possible Bryant will be ready, but the team will not declare a target date for his return.
Instead, Black said, they will wait "until he's doing full weight-bearing running and on-court basketball activities.
Training camp begins Sept. 28.
