Kobe Bryant cleared for basketball activites, to begin “intense” training session

Dec 17, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard

(9) guards Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard

(24) during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-92 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

While it was a massive disappointment that superstar Kobe Bryant was unable to contribute much this season, the positive is almost assured readiness heading into next season with a very long off-season at hand. That off-season will first be spent with a reported trip to Europe, which will include a trip to visit his doctor in Germany.

However, upon his return, Bryant is expected to begin an “intense” training session over the next six months. As always, Bryant will be trying to return to the court at the same level he left it at. Add in the worst season in Lakers history and there is plenty of fuel for Bryant’s motivational fire. Bryant tweeted earlier in the day about the Lakers season, telling followers he was ready to forget this season.

Bryant played just six games this season and was held out for the remainder of the season after injuring his knee in a game in Memphis in mid-December. While Bryant contested that he could have played had the Lakers been in playoff contention, the front office wisely held out Bryant from playing for a Lakers team who had nothing to gain by winning.

With a huge turnover expected in the Lakers roster this summer, Bryant is one of the few Lakers guaranteed to be back next season. With plenty of rest and, evidently, a grueling off-season to get back into shape, Bryant will be expected to be a big contributor next season.

Do you think Bryant will be able to return to a level that he played at before his Achilles injury?