Training camp is officially underway for the Los Angeles Lakers, and although there’s a lot of new faces and a different vibe with this squad, the only thing people are talking about is the playing status of superstar Kobe Bryant.
On Wednesday, head coach Mike D’Antoni gave a little insight on Bryant’s status after watching the five-time NBA champion shoot in practice according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters via Twitter:
Mike D’Antoni says he saw Kobe shoot for the first time…described it as not flat footed but on his tip-toes
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 2, 2013
At this point in time, it seems to be stretch that Kobe will be able to be ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 29. With Bryant only just starting to put shots up and still in the process of trying to get his body prepared for the upcoming NBA season, the chances of the perennial All-Star getting back on the floor in a little less than a month is unlikely.
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash recently chimed in on his teammates status saying that he believes Bryant will be back sometime between the start of the season and Thanksgiving. Initial reports of Bryant’s timetable had him returning around late November or early December, making Nash’s comments pretty much right on the money in terms of a safe assessment.
Although uncertainty surrounds Bryant’s timetable and the upcoming season, there’s no question the veteran guard has made considerable progress and may still be able to surprise everyone by being in the starting lineup against the Clippers later this month.
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Make sure you check out our interview with Marcus Landry
