Kobe Bryant is truly one-of-a-kind as he continues to heal from his Achilles tendon tear in his left leg a rapid pace. Recently, Bryant told friend and current Los Angeles Lakers Summer League player Chris Douglas-Roberts that he is currently three months ahead of schedule in his recovery process and rehab.
Douglas-Roberts told reporters that Bryant and himself text each other on a seemingly regular basis and that Bryant told him that he was ahead of the projected schedule:
"He told me he's three months ahead of schedule, which is very Kobe-like," Douglas-Roberts said.
Bryant 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.
The Lakers have recently signed Nick Young and Wesley Johnson, making it apparent that their continuing their efforts in search of more athleticism in their backcourt and on the roster as a whole. That lack of athleticism surely impacted them a season ago, and was one of the reasons to the team's struggles-especially against younger, quicker teams.
While in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, Laker head coach Mike D'Antoni admitted that these moves were made in an attempt to counteract their flaws:
"We tried to get more athletic to be able to run up and down a little bit," D'Antoni said when asked about both Young and Johnson.
Right now there aren't many spots left on the team roster, and with Young and Wesley on board there is even less room for more wing players. However, D'Antoni and the Lakers are still looking for options to help fill the holes in their current roster.
Related Articles:
Atlanta Hawk Rumors: Jeff Teague Says He'll Be Happy To Remain With The Hawks After Wanting Out
Boston Celtics Rumors: Kris Humphries Says He'll Get Along With Rajon Rondo Despite Last Season's Fight (Video)
Greg Oden Rumors: Pelicans Increase Their Recruitment Efforts And Become Bigger Challenge To Heat And Spurs For Rights To Free Agent Center
NBA News And Rumors: Houston To Hire Hakeem Olajuwon To Mentor And Develop Centers, Dwight Howard Discusses Time With The Lakers And Tough Relationship With Kobe Bryant (Video)
