Full Court Press: The Black Mamba’s Return

Will Kobe return to anything resembling his form prior to this injury?

Apr 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) smiles at power forward Pau Gasol (16) after he completed a triple double in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Staples Center. Lakers won 101-81. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Booth – That is actually a difficult question, depending on the Kobe we are referring to, as prior to his injury, he was having one of the best statistical seasons of his career. Here is what I have absolute confidence in; Kobe is a perfectionist, and he uses doubt and criticism to fuel his fire. He is determined to prove his doubters wrong who have said he will never be the same player again. He would not come back if he wasn’t confident he could again be the player he was prior to injury. He would consider that an insult to the game. He has also said before he would stop playing when he felt he could no longer dominate. He is coming back, and I expect the Kobe Bryant we all know and love.

Lopez – Yes. If Kobe wasn’t able to play at a level he is comfortable with, he wouldn’t return. I think the best thing for Kobe has been to not set a timetable for his return. It may take a month or so, but I expect to see the same old Mamba.

Garcia – I expect Kobe to try and emulate the same moves he did in the past. The difference is, I expect him to be more efficient with them.

Rea – I am banking on the expertise of Dr. Robert Klapper that Kobe will return stronger than ever and not miss a beat. Initially, I think we should all expect Kobe to be tentative on the court, but that phase should be short. Once Kobe gets on the court and he gets his competitive juices flowing he’ll soon forget about the Achilles and return to cutting, dashing through the lane and rising up for his patented pull up 15 foot jumpers.

Rude – We’ve always known Bryant as someone with a high IQ and someone growing more efficient later in his career. We saw him picking and choosing his spots last year, surprising fans with dunks and explosive moves. The explosion will be there. But in fewer and fewer spots. Bryant’s smart.