After undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee nearly a month ago, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant told reporters in New York this past weekend that he's satisfied with his rehabilitation process.
"In a sense, I'm getting ready now," Bryant said at a Nike basketball clinic at Rucker Park in Harlem. "I'm doing rehab constantly for my knee, making sure the leg is getting stronger. As soon as the leg gets strong enough to go, that's when I turn it up."
Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak had said Bryant's operation "went well," and the team expects Bryant to be fully healthy once training camp begins.Bryant's latest remarks provided little insight on what his rehab process entails, and it's not fully clear whether he'll have surgery on his right index finger. Also, it's safe to presume that had Bryant gone through any setbacks, he'd be reluctant to share them. Nonetheless, Bryant has kept his promise in maintaining a low profile on the basketball court this season. He's abstaining from playing with USA Basketball for the 2010 FIBA World Championships and even sat out a pickup game organized by President Obama.
Bryant isn't the only Laker considering health concerns in the offseason. After nursing two separate hamstring injuries, forward Pau Gasol decided to forgo playing in the FIBA championships with the Spanish national team. Despite having injuries to his left shoulder and right knee, forward Lamar Odom still plans to play in Turkey. Center Andrew Bynum recently had surgery on his right knee, which kept him limited throughout the postseason.--Mark Medina
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Photo: Kobe Bryant is reported to be recovering well after having surgery on his right knee. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times