Lakers have no timetable for Kobe Bryant’s return

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant vowed to return to the Lakers after tearing his Achilles tendon in a 118-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors (Bryant had 34 points in the game).

“No real expectations,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles Wednesday. “I do believe that [Bryant will] get back and he’ll play this season. You won’t be able to look at him and say that he’s hurt. In other words, some guys like myself when I hurt my knee, I always had a limp. You won’t be able to tell [with Bryant].”

Kupchak also said that there was “no timetable” for the 17-year veteran’s return. However, there is no doubt in his mind Bryant will return.

“If you think for a second if Kobe can’t play at a high level, or up to his expectations, that he wants to continue to play, I don’t think that’s in his DNA,” Kupchak said. “So, I think it makes sense for him and for us to get him back on the court and to get a feel or a gauge of how much longer he wants to play and at what level.”

Last season, the 35-year old Bryant averaged 27.3 points, 6.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.