Patience is not one of Kobe Bryant’s strong suits.
His normal way of dealing with injuries — or pretty much any obstacle put in his path — is to do his rehab and play through the pain. He’s just going to work harder than everyone, work harder than the injury. However a torn Achilles doesn’t work that way — it requires patience to let heal, let other muscles strengthen around it, and if you rush it you can have a setback.
Which has forced Kobe to slow the process down, he admitted Thursday. Here are the tweets from Mark Medina of the Daily News, who was there when Kobe spoke.
Kobe Bryant said he has scaled back his conditioning so his Achilles can adjust properly. Admits it's been a challenge to stay patient
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) October 24, 2013
Kobe's concern on the season: "That’s really the big question mark for us. Can we stay healthy enough to make a significant run?"
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) October 24, 2013
There is no timetable for Kobe to return to action. Kobe was never likely for opening night, in spite of his effort and will. Like a fine vino, some things cannot be rushed and Achilles is one of those things.
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Health — between Kobe, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol in particular — is certainly one of the big issues for the Lakers this season. I’d put defense on the same level, but they have no chance of playing good defense without health.
