Yesterday Los Angeles Lakers fans received an update on guard Kobe Bryant's return, and despite meeting all targets and milestones in his rehabilitation, it's still unlikely that he'll be able to participate in the preseason.
Lakers spokesman, John Black, spoke with Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times and said that while Bryant is progressing, a return date is still not set:
"He's progressing well and has met all the targets and milestones of his rehab, and we expect him to make a full recovery. 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."
It's no surprise that Bryant still has ways to go being that he's only five months into his rehabilitation.
Still, while some believe a season opener return is still possible against the Los Angeles Clippers, a more realistic timetable would be around late November or early December.
An Achilles tear is already bad enough so it's important that the Lakers and Bryant take their time in making a return. With Bryant's age also playing a factor into things, it'll be important that he not push it too much and maybe it's time that he takes a step back so that other players could flourish.
"We're going to avoid giving a target return date until he's doing full weight-bearing running and on-court basketball activities, at the earliest," Black said.
Related Articles:
Chicago Bulls Rumors: Derrick Rose Would Be Honored To Represent Team USA In 2014 FIBA World Cup
NBA News And Rumors: Nets Were Reportedly Investigated After Andrei Kirilenko Signing
NBA Free Agency News And Rumors: Sasha Vujacic Eyeing NBA Return, Lakers Possible Landing Spot?