Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant continues to quickly recover from his Achilles surgery. Bryant spoke with reporters and described his recovery from the injury.
"The surgical procedure was different [...] and because of that the recovery has been different," Bryant said, via NBA.com. "The normal timetable for recovery from an Achilles, we've shattered that. Three-and-a-half months I can already walk just fine, I'm lifting weights with the Achilles just fine and that's different. So we don't know what that timetable is going to be. It's kind of new territory for us all."
Bryant's speedy recovery isn't a surprise to Nash, who called Bryant a "freak."
"A doctor would tell you, at his age, it's not very realistic, but we're talking about Kobe," Nash told Jim Rome of CBS Sports, according to the L.A. Times. "I'm sure he'll be back better than ever and people will be marveling at the comeback he's made."
No one ever doubted the tenacity with which Bryant would attack his rehab. He returned in great form after undoing an experimental procedure in 2011 for a knee injury.
Achilles tears, however, are regarded as devastating injuries. An Achilles injury ended the career of Isaiah Thomas, although Dominique Wilkins returned from his own Achilles tear and went on to post a career-high 29.9 points per game the next season.
By all accounts, Bryant's recovery appears to be closer to Wilkins'. Bryant has stated he plans to return by the season opener, but an ESPN report suggested the perennial All-Star could be back by training camp.
Bryant, 34, is entering the final year of his contract. The Lakers reportedly had intended to begin extension talks with Bryant, but his April injury put all discussions on hold. He's stated he plans to play at least another two or three years. If he can return to form, the Lakers would certainly sign him to an extension.
