Kobe Bryant has returned to practice for the first time since tearing his Achilles’ tendon back in April.
Bryant didn’t talk to the media as he left the Lakers’ training facility in El Segundo, CA, but he did say “it was time” to test himself in a practice. The Laker’s player also said he would evaluate how his Achilles felt on Sunday before making his decision on when he thought he would return.
Sources say Bryant’s practice was encouraging.
“He was out there making shots, basically being himself, just at a slower pace,” Lakers guard Xavier Henry said. “He’ll be all right sooner or later. He’s of course not 100 percent, but to see him out there — it helps.”
According to sources, Bryant felt he was out of shape and so he ramped up his conditioning and activity in the last couple of weeks. Saturday was the day he participated in practice drills with teammates.
“He looked really good. He looked like Kobe,” Lakers forward Pau Gasol said. “It was the first time he was actually out there, and I was very happy to see him. I’m looking forward to seeing him do more out there.
It was all half-court things, it was all very contained. But I think it was a great step forward. I hope that he reacts well to it and continues to build on it.”
