Doug Pensinger/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — For the first time since tearing his left Achilles last April, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant returned to practice.
Bryant participated in on-court drills with teammates Saturday.
“He looked good and did a few moves I didn’t expect him to do right away,” forward Pau Gasol said. “I’m very happy for him and for us, and definitely looking forward to when he’ll play in a game.”
The normal recovery process for a torn Achilles is 12 months, but normal isn’t a word often used to describe Bryant.
“I feel like I’m ahead of schedule,” Bryant said to NBA TV Friday. “If there was a playoff game tonight, I’d play. I’d play. I don’t know how effective I’d be, but I would play.”
The Lakers (4-7) are currently three games out of first place in the Pacific Division.
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“He looked good and did a few moves I didn’t expect him to do right away,” said Pau Gasol. “I’m very happy for him and for us, and definitely looking forward to when he’ll play in a game.” – See more at: http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/11/16/kobe-bryant-returns-to-practice/#sthash.iw0IOLiX.dpuf
“He looked good and did a few moves I didn’t expect him to do right away,” said Pau Gasol. “I’m very happy for him and for us, and definitely looking forward to when he’ll play in a game.” – See more at: http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/11/16/kobe-bryant-returns-to-practice/#sthash.iw0IOLiX.dpuf
“He looked good and did a few moves I didn’t expect him to do right away,” said Pau Gasol. “I’m very happy for him and for us, and definitely looking forward to when he’ll play in a game.” – See more at: http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/11/16/kobe-bryant-returns-to-practice/#sthash.iw0IOLiX.dpuf
“He looked good and did a few moves I didn’t expect him to do right away,” said Pau Gasol. “I’m very happy for him and for us, and definitely looking forward to when he’ll play in a game.” – See more at: http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2013/11/16/kobe-bryant-returns-to-practice/#sthash.iw0IOLiX.dpuf