Kobe Could Return by Preseason

March 25, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24, left) dribbles the ball against Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11, right) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

We all remember where we were when Kobe Bryant suffered a torn Achilles at the end of this past season. I was in Indiana to watch the Pacers play the Nets earlier that night. I remember wondering whether Kobe had played his last game, but that was stupid. I should have known he would come back — faster than anyone else, at that. I thought Kobe would come back around February, but apparently I was way off.

According to Chris Douglas-Roberts, Kobe is three months ahead of schedule. This has also been confirmed by Jim Buss, who had some words on the Black Mamba coming back earlier than expected.

"“I would bet a lot of money on him coming back in preseason. He’s going to come back when he is right. I see him coming back at the beginning of this season.”"

It will be interesting to see when Kobe returns, and if he is fully healthy. I do not want to see Mr. Bryant come back like Dwight Howard did last season — not 100 percent to start the season and fighting to stay healthy all season. I trust that Kobe will make the best decision for himself, though.