Los Angeles Lakers G Kobe Bryant returns to the court

Apr 9, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) and shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the second half against the New Orleans Hornets at the Staples Center. Lakers won 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

For the first time since tearing his left Achilles tendon in a 118-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors on April 12, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant returned to the basketball court on Wednesday.

Although he did not participate in practice with his teammates, the Lakers were happy to have Bryant back on the court in any capacity.

“He just keeps progressing,” Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni told Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles. “He was out today shooting a little bit and jogging. He just keeps getting better.”

Clearly, Bryant isn’t close to a return, but seeing Bryant shooting and jogging on the court is obviously a huge step in the right direction.

“I saw him shoot the ball today for the first time,” D’Antoni said. “I don’t know if it’s the first time, but it’s the first time I saw him. So, that’s a progression. I’m not in the training room to see what he does every day. Obviously as hard as he’s worked, every day he’s going to get a little bit better. Now, what that means, I don’t know.”

The 17-year veteran averaged 27.3 points, 6.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Lakers last season.

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