As we get closer to the opening night showdown with the crosstown-rival Clippers, the number one question continually being asked is whether Kobe Bryant will be on the floor for the game. Despite Kobe’s inhuman work ethic and intent on returning as soon as possible, it’s looking more and more likely that Bryant won’t be ready for opening night.
Before the Lakers’ preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors, Bryant spoke with Lakers reporter Mike Trudell and said he can’t push off his Achilles yet:
1/2 – Asked @kobebryant about his Achilles: “I can’t quite push all the way through yet, but it’s coming along fine. It feels all right.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 18, 2013
This Lakers team is going to need Kobe to be at his best just to challenge for a playoff spot in this deep Western Conference. The fact that Kobe still is unable to push off the Achilles the way he will need to puts a lot of doubt into him being ready with the season opener just 10 days away.
Bryant delved even more into what he is dealing with during his rehab on his Achilles with Trudell:
2/2 Kobe-“It gets tight, so we just continue to work w/t modalities & making sure we loosen it up & get it going, but I feel good about it.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 18, 2013
With his Achilles still getting tight after workouts, it makes it impossible for Kobe to be able to undergo his rigorous conditioning that he needs in order to get back into basketball shape.
Kobe is a freak of nature capable of anything he puts his mind to. But even he can’t excel at the level he’s accustomed to until this Achilles is willing to cooperate with him, and that is not in his control. It’s beginning to look like even the great Kobe can’t make this comeback as quick as he, and we, would like.
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