Kobe Bryant throws one down at practice (video)

Oct 30, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) behind the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 125-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers guards Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash returned to the practice court Tuesday.

Although Nash does not appear close to making a return, Bryant scrimmaged for about 30-45 minutes and looks like he may be ready to go as early as Friday night when the Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings.

During the scrimmage, Bryant picked the pocket of guard Xavier Henry, races down the court and finishes with a left handed dunk.

Bryant hasn’t played in a game since tearing his Achilles tendon over eight months ago.

“We don’t want to jump the gun. We don’t know,” Lakers’ head coach Mike D’Antoni told Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles. “We’ll see if he’s able but like I said, today, it all looks good.”

Obviously, Bryant is very close to making a return and could provide a huge boost for the Lakers. Without Bryant, the Lakers have struggled to a 9-9 record.

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

Home/Los Angeles Lakers