With the recent comebacks of Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson resulting in MVP caliber performances, the question arises if these amazing comebacks due to better quality of medical treatment or simply the sheer will and determination of the individual athlete?
After his torn Achilles at the end of last season, many folks were ready to write Kobe Bryant career is over story before the Los Angeles Lakers even completed the 2012 – 2013 regular season.
Everyone around the country was openly skeptical of the statement made by Bryant stating that he would be back in time for the opening of the 2013-14 season.
Now comes the news, via Jonathan Hartzell of the NBA’s Hang time Blog, Bryant is on pace to not only beat but shatter the normal time table for an athlete to recover from a torn ACL of six to nine months.
The normal time table would have have Bryant returning around the start of the NBA season towards the end of October.
But while on a recent tour in China, Bryant stated, “that the surgery performed was innovative and thus his recovery has been unique.
Bryant went on to say:
“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.
As a result, the time table for his return could possibly have him ready to play come the Los Angeles Lakers Training Camp.
Given Bryant’s willingness to try experimental or out of the normal procedures, like the platelet-rich plasma therapy, to help aid in his recovery a coming back for training camp does not seem out of the realm of possibility.
Knowing Bryant’s work ethic and desire to succeed, him coming back to play at his pre-injury level is about as close to guarantee as there is in this world.
But keep in mind, Bryant measures success in terms of championships only.
The Lakers, with the current roster, would require a lot of heavy lifting by Bryant. While we know that his will is to carry the team, the Lakers title hopes and the evaluation of Bryant’s return will hinge on whether his Achilles will be able to withstand the load.
So San Antonio Spurs fans, do you think you will be seeing the same Bryant that took the Lakers to five NBA titles next season?
