Kobe Bryant has been working extremely hard to return from his second consecutive season ending injury lately. Bryant tore the rotator cuff in his right shoulder during last season and has been rehabbing the shoulder to try and get ready for the season. A little less than a month ago, Bryant posted a photo on Instagram saying that he was back on the court shooting, and now it is being reported that Kobe is fully cleared for all basketball activities, according to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report.
It is unknown what Kobe's future with the Los Angeles Lakers is beyond this year, but it has been reported that the Lakers would love to have him back as long as he could play, but after this year his role would likely be smaller. Bryant himself is unsure whether this is his last season, and a lot of his decision has to do with how this upcoming season goes. If he stays healthy, plays well and the Lakers show improvement Kobe might consider sticking around beyond this season, but if any of those things don't happen you would have to think the 37-year-old would seriously consider calling it quits.
In the past two seasons, Bryant has played in only a combined 41 games. Two years ago, he tore his Achilles, which he successfully rehabbed and came back from before tearing his rotator cuff last season. Before this two year stretch Bryant had never played in less than 58 games in a single season, but that's what happens when you get up there in age. Bryant is now entering his 20th NBA season, and it is far from a guarantee that he stays healthy for the full season.
Head coach Byron Scott has said that he will try to limit Bryant's minutes somewhat this year in order to maintain his health. This year the Lakers have the luxury of a little more depth especially at the guard positions which should help lighten the load for their superstar. For his career Kobe has averaged 36.5 minutes per game but this season that number will likely be in the 20's.
Bryant tore his rotator cuff towards the end January and at the time was given a nine-month timetable to return. Even at his advanced age, Kobe still beat the timetable due to his insane work ethic, and it would be hard to bet against him going into this season. In his 35 games last year, Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game but only shot 37 percent from the field and 29 percent from three, so it will be interesting to see if he can get back to his more efficient self or if this really is the end for him.
