The Los Angeles Lakers have been shrouded in drama all season long, but Lakers fans need not cringe upon hearing news that Steve Nash called Kobe Bryant a "freak." He meant it in the nice way.
Bryant tore his Achilles tendon toward the end of the 2012-2013 regular season, knocking him out of the playoffs in which the Lakers were humiliated by the San Antonio Spurs.
Now, Bryant's recovery is progressing ahead of schedule, leading Nash to term him a "freak " when discussing his rehabilitation and whether the Lakers' leader can return in peak form.
"A doctor would tell you, at his age, it's not very realistic, but we're talking about Kobe. He's pretty driven, talented and he's a freak," said Nash. "I'm sure he'll be back better than ever and people will be marveling at the comeback he's made."
Nash also talked about his own health, which failed him throughout Los Angeles' trying year, as he dealt with a broken leg and various back and hamstring problems. "I'm getting very close to 100%," he said. "I think by the end of the next two or three weeks I should be 100% and still have a month or more to tighten it all up before the season starts."
Finally, Nash opened up about the Dwight Howard saga, and backed his longtime coach Mike D'Antoni, who said Howard left L.A. for Houston to essentially play in the same offense. He also chided Howard for his feelings that the Lakers organization didn't "support" him.
"Ironically, Houston plays D'Antoni's system. He'll probably thrive in that system next year because he'll be more comfortable," Nash said. "I've always just wanted an opportunity to play and compete. I've never really had that mind-set of not being supported," said Nash. "I feel like it's my job to support the club, to play well, to train hard, to be a positive influence and try to win as many games as you can for the fans and the club -- for putting faith in you."
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