One of the biggest reasons in Los Angeles Lakers' struggle over the last seasons is Kobe Bryant injury. Since being downed by Achilles and knee injuries, the team lost its leader and their campaign went spiral down. Come the new season, many are expecting the 18-year veteran to have completed his much needed rest and recovery. Fans are still counting on Kobe Bryant despite many of the critics saying he can't beat father time. For general manager Mike Kupchak, he's 100% sure that his team will be reinforced again by Kobe just like the old days.
Speaking during the media day in Lakers practice facility, Kupchak said that the Kobe Bryant injury recovery should be at 100% by now. He even said that the two-time NBA Finals MVP might have an excellent year.
"I think he's going to have an excellent year," the general manager said.
"I've watched throughout the summer ... He looks really good. He says he feels great. No ill effects on either injury."
Kupchak's comments are not out of the blue. He said that he has been following their star player's progress.
"He's been working every day. I get reports. I've seen him personally. I know he's working and speaking with [Coach] Byron [Scott] on a daily or semi-daily basis."
"If he walked into the room, or he walked on the court and ran up and down the court, you couldn't tell he blew out an Achilles tendon or broke a bone in his knee last year," continued Kupchak.
"He looks conditioning-wise, his weight is great. I think he's down 10-12 pounds over last year. There's no limp."
The Kobe Bryant injury is one of the worst stories in the NBA's past seasons but for Kupchak, it will also be one of the biggest come backs fans will see.
"I think you'll see a player, similar to what you saw two years ago," said Kupchak.
"He'll do as much as he has to do to put us in the best chance to win."
