July 21, 2012; Barcelona, SPAIN; USA guard Kobe Bryant (10) stretches during practice in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games at Palau Sant Jordi. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
When Kobe Bryant returned to practice this past weekend, even Mike D’Antoni himself said he’d still miss “a bunch” of games. Apparently, Bryant laughed at that notion.
Source tells me to look for Kobe to be in uniform Friday barring any setbacks. They'll be careful with him with a lot of off days ahead
— Brian Geltzeiler (@BGeltzNBA) November 18, 2013
While still a long shot, the fact we’re talking about Bryant returning not just after one week of practice, but just seven months from a torn Achilles can’t be overstated enough in it’s improbability. For reference, Chauncey Billups suffered the same injury just a few years ago, just 20 games into the 2011-12 season on February 6th of 2012.. Billups did not return to the court until November 28 of that year, nearly 10 months later.
Bryant’s return will certainly give the Lakers team another push. Their inconsistency over the course of the first 12 games has left them with a 5-7 record and a handful of embarrassing losses. Certainly, they are as eagerly awaiting Bryant’s return as their fans are.