Just as news surfaced that Kobe Bryant has practiced this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in April, there is a recent report saying that he is overseas for an unrelated medical procedure.
The Los Angeles Times report says that Bryant did not consult coach Mike D’Antoni prior to leaving for the trip. D’Antoni says he didn’t have a problem with the abrupt departure.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise,” D’Antoni said Thursday. “I think he had it programmed, and just the way it was, he knew he had time because he’s not getting on the court yet. So I don’t think it’s a big deal, and I don’t think it caught him by surprise. Instead of doing it in August, he’s doing it now.
“There’s no concern whatsoever.”
The Los Angeles Lakers star will return in the beginning of next week, according to sources.
Bryant went to Germany twice before in 2011. He had a surgical procedure on his sore right knee and a sore left ankle. The NBA all-star is reportedly going there again for another knee procedure, according to The Los Angeles Times.
