Kobe Bryant has left training camp today and will be gone until early next week as he travels to Germany for a knee procedure. Lakers fans will remember this procedure as the one that resurrected Bryant’s career before last season.
Lakers news: Kobe left the country late Weds to undergo an undisclosed medical procedure, unrelated to his Achilles. Back early next week
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 3, 2013
The “orthokine” procedure is what Bryant had performed on his right knee, which he’s having redone this time around. According to Adrian Wojnarokski, the thinking in Bryant waiting this long to do the procedure is to get the maximum benefit.
"Orthokine" recovery is relatively brief (weeks, not months). Kobe's Achilles remains larger issue.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) October 3, 2013
Still, the bigger question mark for Bryant will be the recovery of his Achilles. Despite setting a remarkable pace for recovery, Bryant remains unsure if he’ll be healthy enough to return for opening night. I think it’s safe to say that, following this procedure, Bryant won’t be rushing back in any form.