The Los Angeles Lakers organization tweeted out that Kobe Bryant sat out of practice today due to Achilles soreness. The Lakers made a point of it to say there were no setbacks for Bryant and claimed he is just resting due to going all out in the past few days.
.@kobebryant had the day off from practice today. Was a little sore from the past two days, just taking it slow and being cautious.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 21, 2013
Bryant went from doing nothing in practice but shoot free throws, flat-footed shooting drills, and some mild running into full-contact 5-on-5 practice. It amazed all of his teammates how hard Bryant was going and certainly even Bryant’s body was surprised at the sudden push to get back to form on the floor.
As Laker fan’s expectations having gone wild and some unrealistically putting a potential November timetable on Bryant’s return, ultimately it’s Bryant’s body that will determine when he will be ready to come back. As for now it seems Bryant’s Achilles is telling him that its not quite time yet to step back onto the court. Bryant had to oblige and sit out of practice even though he could smell the burnt rubber from his shoes from last practice, realizing that he is so close to being able to rejoin the Lakers and his teammates.
Even with the grave news it was reassuring to hear that the injury has no setbacks, and maybe this will bring all the expectations back down to Earth where Bryant is still human. Maybe this will also bring Bryant’s own expectations down giving his Achilles have more time to heal and trusting his teammates to keep in the playoff chase until he is fully capable of returning in order to chase a 6th ring.
Lakers Nation News:
Chris Kaman Day-To-Day With Back Soreness
D’Antoni Expects Nash To Be Out Another 10 Days
Kobe Bryant Talks About Jordan Hill’s Recent Play
Pau Gasol Makes Pledge Toward Philippines Typhoon Relief
Kobe Bryant Named As Source In Billy Hunter NBPA Lawsuit
Lakers Remain One Of Three Teams Without Individual Technical Foul
Lakers News:
Kobe Bryant Getting Back To Business – OC Register
Kobe Bryant As Lakers Rescuer? Wrong Attitude – LA Times
Trend Watching – Forums Blue & Gold
Hunter Claims Bryant Pushed For “Secret Deal” – SB Nation
Lakers Ex-Cooper To Coach WNBA’s Dream – ESPN
NBA News:
Pacers Don’t Scare Heat…Yet – Bleacher Report
Howard Fined For Tossing Ball Into Stands – ESPN
Cleveland Is Wrong For Booing Anthony Bennet – SB Nation
Melo Not Getting Superstar Calls, Coach Says – ESPN
Why Calipari To The Knicks Makes Sense – SB Nation