It has now been almost two weeks since the season ending Achilles tear of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, and it would appear that the All-Star is continuing to have a healthy recovery process as he announced on his Facebook account that he is already out his cast and into a walking boot.

"Cast off today. I have zero swelling and virtually no pain. Boot now for a few months. I start therapy..."

Bryant reported the good news of feeling little pain and having less swelling and how he plans to start therapy as soon as possible. Originally the prognosis was that Bryant would hopefully return in 6-9 months and the Lakers remain hopeful that he could return for training camp.

Before Bryant's surgery, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said that Bryant possibly returning for training camp might be a bit too optimistic, and that the start of the season is more realistic.

"I think it'd be aggressive to think he can be ready by training camp. I think that's a realistic goal for him (November 1) based on what he was talking about this morning.

The fact that Kupchak is anticipating Bryant to return by the season start completely disputes all rumors that the Lakers were considering amnestying Bryant, who is owed $30.5 million in salary next season. Bryant, Metta World Peace, Steve Blake and Pau Gasol are the only players currently on the Lakers roster who have the amnesty option in their contracts.

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