NBA Rumors: Kobe Bryant says Lakers record not a factor in return

As we already know, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will return this season.

Of course many have wondered why given his recent rash of injuries and the Lakers lottery bound season, but the Black Mamba isn’t hearing any of that – recently suggesting the Lakers’ record will have nothing to do with his return.

"The Los Angeles Lakers record is just a number for Kobe Bryant.Regardless of how many losses overshadow those in the win column, Bryant is determined to return this season from a fractured left knee injury."

Bryant spoke about his determination to get back on the court:

"“The only thing I can consider, the only thing I can afford to consider, is getting better and getting strong,” he said prior to the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. “I can’t allow myself to think any other way. I can only think about the next day. To do anything else becomes distracting. You give yourself wiggle room to not push yourself as hard as you possibly can. If I think that I’m going to sit out or this that and the other, then the motivation is gone. I refuse to have that happen.”"

As to the questions of why Bryant plans to return, that’s something only Kobe can truly answer. Though it’s possible that Bryant wants to get himself back in game shape – something he can only do by playing in real life games. Sure, practice and scrimmages help build up the body but nothing compares to actually being on the court in a true game scenario. It’ll also help Kobe and his teammates get a better  understanding of each other on the court moving into the 2014-15 season.

Injury concerns aside, there’s little reason for Kobe not to return if he’s healthy.