Apr 7, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
With all kinds of reports about Kobe being way ahead of schedule, and most likely being able to play on opening night, Kobe’s comments to Jimmy Kimmel were a bit of a surprise. When asked if he thinks he will be playing at the beginning of the season, here’s what Kobe had to say:
"“I don’t know if I’ll be ready for opening night. I really don’t know. I know I’m really, really ahead of schedule.”"
Some Lakers fans may be freaking out now, but this is probably a good thing. Last year, Dwight Howard rushed back, only to play half of the season hurt. It’s best to get Kobe as close to 100 percent healthy as he can be. For those saying that the Lakers need him back to win, it’s not like they are going to be good anyways; this team is not a championship contender, and IF they make the playoffs, they will be a low seed again. If Kobe sits out for part of the season, it will only help them tank and get a better pick in a loaded draft.