The Los Angeles Lakers current season has been off to a slow start, and much of it can be blamed to the injury of its superstar Kobe Bryant. But if recent reports are to be believed, the Lakers shooting guard is nearing his return to the court as he has begun practicing with the team on Saturday, November 16.
ESPN.com is reporting that according to league sources, Bryant has finally returned to practice with his team seven months after tearing his Achilles tendon against the Golden State Warriors.
Although Bryant didn't give any comments after exiting the training facility of the Lakers in El Segundo, California, some of his teammates shared their thoughts on Bryant's return to the hardcourt.
"He was out there making shots, basically being himself, just at a slower pace," Lakers guard Xavier Henry was quoted as saying. "He'll be all right sooner or later. He's of course not 100 percent, but to see him out there -- it helps."
Lakers forward-center Pau Gasol, meanwhile said Bryant looked good on the court. "He looked like Kobe. It was the first time he was actually out there, and I was very happy to see him. I'm looking forward to seeing him do more out there."
Gasol said that Bryant's practice was limited to the half court and were all "very contained." Still, the only remnant of the Lakers 2009-10 championship teams aside from Bryant said: "But I think it was a great step forward. I hope that he reacts well to it and continues to build on it."
It is still not clear when Bryant will finally rejoin the team in regular season play, with his impending return a significant boost to a team that has struggled to a 4-7 win loss slate.
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