Lakers fans have all be hanging unto a thread of hope when it comes to Kobe Bryant Achilles tendon rehab process, but one former Laker doesn’t think that it’s as promising as the LA faithful would like to think. CBS Sports reports that Kareem Abdul-Jabar has offered his opinion on Kobe’s recovery, and it definitely isn’t what Laker nation wants to hear.
“It’s a rebuilding year for them because Kobe has been hurting and he has a very devastating type of injury. I don’t think he will be able to come back as quickly and completely as he would like. It’s gonna be tough on the Lakers this year. When Kobe does come back, it’s gonna be a different Kobe and that will definitely effect the outcome for the Lakers long-term… It’s gonna be a test for him this year, absolutely.”
Laker fans think of the “Black Mamba” when they think of Kobe Bryant, but to think that there might be a chink in the Mamba armor is the grim realization that Bryant is after all human. Playing at Kobe’s age doesn’t make it any easier, and the magnitude of an Achilles tear will definitely have an effect of his ability to perform. Of course, this is a wait and see game, but as we wait, Kobe isn’t getting any younger.