Kobe in Germany Means Training Camp is Almost Here
A student of preventive health, Kobe Bryant made his annual German trek for maintenance purposes. Dr. Hans-Wilhelm-Muller-Wohlfahrt or “Healing Hans” as his patients affectionately refer to him, is a world leader in sports injuries. Usain Bolt called him, “the best doctor in the world.” Kobe’s arrival in Germany for the Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) treatment Orthokine comes two weeks before training camp is set to begin.
Dec 14, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Arthritic knees challenged Kobe to seek out alternative treatments several years ago and Kobe credits Dr. Hans-Wilhelm-Muller-Wohlfahrt for keeping his career at a high level when most athletes start to descend and more importantly the Orthokine treatment has kept the pain in check. The procedure is one of subtraction and then addition. A small amount of Kobe’s blood is extracted, warmed and spun in a centrifuge. Platelets are separated, aggressive anti-arthritic cells are inserted into Kobe’s knee as an anti-inflammatory to trigger healing and as protective measures.
Developed by two German physicians, a molecular biologist and a spinal surgeon, the procedure treats the inflammation and pain rather than the joints and is far less invasive and complicated than a surgical procedure. The treatment allows Kobe to manage a physically grueling season at an age when most players have either retired or log 10-12 minutes a night.
Other News: Byron Scott has a starting group in mind and it is up to the individual players in training camp to alter his plans. Surprisingly or stupidly, Scott has Steve Nash penciled in as the starter. Yet no one knows if Nash will be able to get through the grueling first week of training camp. If nothing else, Scott is directly challenging Jeremy Lin before training camp starts. Come in expecting to take the job from Nash. Scott also likes Swaggy P coming off the bench and Carlos Boozer starting at the power foward. Swaggy is the instant offense the Lakers will need once Kobe sits but it all depends on Wes Johnson and what type of training camp he has. Will he win the job? Will he finally live up to his potential? Boozer makes sense as a starter while Julius Randle learns the ins and outs of the NBA game, the lifestyle, the habits, the fatigue and the lessons.
Michael Beasley watch: He is still unsigned, wanting more than a veteran’s minimum which is all the Lakers have to offer. But the longer he goes unsigned the more leverage the Lakers have and the more attractive they are as a destination.