Jerry West says Kobe Bryant needs more time, ‘going to be fine’
Has Kobe Bryant underwhelmed in his initial return from Achilles’ tendon surgery?
Don’t be too concerned was the message from Lakers Hall of Famer Jerry West, currently an executive with the Golden State Warriors.
Caught on camera by TMZ, West said Bryant is “going to be fine.”
“I think it’s going to be a little while until he gets his legs under him and be able to find out what he can do,” said the Lakers’ former general manager.
“When you have an injury like that, a serious injury, particularly for a basketball player -- someone who runs so much and makes so many cuts -- there’s always an uncertainty period,” West said. “He looks like he needs a few more games.”
Bryant was injured, rupturing his Achilles’ tendon, on Apr. 12 in a win over the Golden State Warriors. He had surgery the following morning.
The Lakers All-Star guard made his season debut on Dec. 8 against the Toronto Raptors. Since his return the Lakers have won just one game in five tries.
Bryant is averaging 12.4 points a game on 40% shooting.
With multiple injuries, the Lakers have called on Bryant to start at point guard. Bryant is averaging a career high at 6.8 assists per game, but also is turning the ball over 6.0 times a night.
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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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