It goes without saying that the Los Angeles Lakers will need Kobe Bryant to be in good shape if they are to challenge for a playoff spot in the NBA's Western Conference this year.
Bryant ruptured his Achilles tendon late last season and missed Los Angeles' embarrassing first-round sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. In the offseason, center Dwight Howard skipped town to join the Houston Rockets, leaving the Lakers without their two best players from 2012.
Kobe's recovery was initially expected to miss six to nine months, but while touring China he said he was "shattering" that timetable. Four months or so following his injury, Bryant is posting videos of himself working out on an Alter-G, weight-bearing treadmill and running harder than at any other time in the process.
For the video of Kobe Bryant on the Alter G click here
Kobe being the ultimate competitor, has set his sights on October 29th, the NBA's opening night, for his return. Recently in an interview with late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel he admitted that he might not be ready for game action at that time.
Bryant has also taken offense to a number of basketball analysts predicting gloom for L.A. this season with a hobbled Bryant, and no Howard to make up the difference. A few days ago Bryant tweeted, "12th I see." On Monday, he tweeted "Remember who got amnesia #gasoline #mambamentality."
If anyone is capable of proving lots of critics wrong it is Bryant. In his 17th NBA campaign at the age of 34, Bryant had one of his most impressive statistical seasons to date. He averaged 27.3 points, matched a career high in assists per game (six), and pulled down 5.6 rebounds a night.
This time around the Lakers will also be freed from the "Dwightmare" that came along with Howard's lone season in Hollywood. Bryant will return to being the focus of the offense as Pau Gasol can shift back into the post, where he is most comfortable.
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