Kobe Bryant is interviewed.The Los Angeles Lakers held a media day at their El Segundo practice facility. Players were photographed for team materials, and interviewed by the press. El Segundo, CA. 9/27/2013. photo by (John McCoy/Los Angeles Daily News)
For the first time since suffering a torn left Achilles tendon nearly six months ago, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant performed some light jogging and shooting during Wednesday’s practice.
The Lakers wouldn’t say if he has fully progressed toward running at full body weight on a treadmill. But Lakers trainer Gary Vitti said in a wide-ranging interview two weeks ago that Bryant would have to progress toward that stage before participating in basketball-related activities. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said Bryant’s spot shooting entailed no jumping.
“He keeps getting better,” D’Antoni said. “But they haven’t set a timetable. As soon as he can be ready, he’ll be ready.”
The Lakers play their first preseason game Oct. 5 against the Golden State Warriors in Ontario, followed by seven exhibitions through Oct. 25. The Lakers’ season opener takes place Oct. 29 against the Clippers at Staples Center.
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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com