Kobe Bryant Injury: Updates on Lakers Star's Recovery from Shoulder Surgery

Joseph ZuckerAug 22, 2015

Kobe Bryant's recovery from rotator cuff surgery in January appears to be going according to plan as the Los Angles Lakers superstar is expected to be ready for the start of the season.

When Bryant had surgery on Jan. 28, the timetable for his full return was roughly nine months. "I expect Kobe to make a full recovery, and if all goes as expected, he should be ready for the start of the season," Dr. Neal ElAttrache, one of the doctors who performed the surgery, said at the time, per ESPN.com.

Continue for updates.

Bryant Expected Back for Training Camp; On Course for Return by Regular Season

Saturday, Sept. 12

“My understanding is that he’ll be ready for camp,” said general manager Mitch Kupchak, per Sam Amick of USAToday.com. “Knowing Kobe, he will try to participate in every practice in camp. But myself and (head coach) Byron (Scott) are going to have something to say about that. So I’m sure there will be a practice or two or three where we won’t let him practice, but I do expect him to be full bore at camp.”

On Aug. 22, Bryant posted a photo to his Instagram account with the caption, "First day back on the court shooting!":

The Lakers' first game of the preseason is Oct. 4 against the Utah Jazz, with their regular season tipping off Oct. 28 at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Getting a doctor's approval to practice is a far cry from being healthy enough to play in a competitive game, but Kobe is undoubtedly making progress.

The last time Bryant missed Los Angeles' regular-season opener was in 2013-14, when he was recovering from an Achilles injury. He made a speedy recovery in that case, going down in April and coming back in December.

Given his competitive nature, it would be a surprise if Kobe isn't on the court when the Lakers welcome in Minnesota.