The L.A. Lakers and, perhaps more intriguingly, Kobe Bryant, have circled Oct. 6 as a key date in the suddenly struggling franchise's future.
According to NBCSports.com, the Lakers are scheduled to face the Denver Nuggets in their preseason opener in San Diego that night, giving Bryant his first opportunity in nearly a full season to return to competitive action.
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Bryant played in just six games last season after suffering a fractured left knee just months after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles. Bryant recently tweeted he's back to full training and implored Lakers fans to "flush" this past year's 27-55 misery from their collective memory.
Three nights after opening the preseason against the Nuggets, Bryant and the Lakers host Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, giving Staple Center fans their first up-and-close look at the surefire Hall of Famer in nearly a year.
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A 16-time All-Star, the 35-year-old Bryant averaged just 14 points and six assists in the handful of games he played last season, compared to the 26 points, five rebounds and five assists he's averaged over his career.Bryant also led the league in scoring in back-to-back seasons commencing in 2005 and in 2007-08 was named league MVP after averaging 28 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
In addition, Bryant has led the Lakers to five NBA titles, and was named Finals MVP over two consecutive seasons beginning in 2009.
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