While speaking to NBA TV, Lakers vice president Jim Buss said that Bryant is way ahead of schedule in his recovery and expects him to play in a preseason game.
“Well, we’re in Vegas, and I would bet a lot of money that this guy comes back probably in preseason,” Buss said. “He’s real sharp in taking care of himself and he’s not going to rush anything just to get back and prove a point. He’s going to come back when he’s right. He’s a machine. He’s inhuman. I see him coming back at the beginning of this season. I can’t believe how much he’s progressed so far.”
Kobe Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon back in April. The initial timetable for his complete rehab was six to nine months. Bryant also confirmed that he was ahead of schedule and would begin more active rehab in August leading into training camp, which starts in October.
