Jul 19, 2013 09:32 AM EDT
Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Ahead Of Schedule, Vice President Jim Buss Believes He'll Be Available To Play In The Preseason

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is not only expected to return to the floor at the start at the regular season, but now it seems he could return as early as the preseason.

Lakers vice president Jim Buss told NBA TV on Thursday that Bryant is so ahead of schedule in his recovery from an Achilles tendon tear that it is possible for him to play in a preseason game.

"Well, we're in Vegas, and I would bet a lot of money that this guy comes back probably in preseason," Buss said during the Lakers-Milwaukee Bucks game at the Las Vegas Summer League. "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."

Prior to Buss' comments, in an interview on ESPN Radio 710 with John Ireland and Mike Trudell, Bryant discussed his goal of being back to action by November the latest.

"I'm shooting for November, December, latest- that's my goal in my head, that's what. I'm shooting for. I'm really, really determined about getting there. You know, I wont have any fear or any worry about the tendon rupturing again, I mean there's nothing I can do about it, if it goes again, it goes again. But once I'm ready to go, it's on."

Bryant reiterated that he doesn't feel much pain and is able to walk around. He isn't expected to start running again for another three weeks, but has already hinted that he wants to make plans to make his return on opening night of the 2013-14 NBA season.

He's also said that he expects himself to continue to play at a high level for the next three to four years and has no plans of retirement until then. Bryant is motivated to win a sixth championship before retiring and the Lakers have plans to help him in his quest.

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