Many believe that whether or not the Lakers return to the playoffs next season or head to the lottery for the first time since 2005 will depend on when Kobe Bryant returns from a torn Achilles. Just as important is at what level Bryant returns to.
Bryant raised some spirits when he posted a video of him running on a treadmill. And Dr. Robert Clapper appeared on the Max & Marcellus Show on ESPNLA 710 and gave some more hope to Lakers Nation:
.@DrRobertKlapper: In my opinion, Kobe’s gonna be 80% (of what he was last year). I still believe that he’ll be there for opening night.
— ESPNLA 710 Radio (@ESPNLA710) August 20, 2013
Despite being 34 years old and on the downside of his career, Bryant put forth one of the greatest seasons of his career before ultimately succumbing to the Achilles injury. If he is able to return at 80 percent of his level last year that will be an amazing accomplishment.
Now we wonder will 80 percent of Bryant be good enough to carry the Lakers to the playoffs next season. 100 percent of Bryant was barely able to get the Lakers to the seventh seed in last year’s playoffs, so if he is only 80 percent the Lakers may very well be back in the lottery.
With Kobe set to have his Achilles evaluated in a few weeks, we will get a better idea on whether or not Bryant really will be ready for opening night against their Staples Center co-tenants, the Los Angeles Clippers.
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