Kobe Bryant sports nasty Achilles scar, talks leadership

According to Lakers all-star Kobe Bryant, listening is a vital part of leadership.

“You have to be able to listen to what your teammates are saying,” said Bryant in a YouTube clip released Thursday while he was on a tour of China with Nike.

“You have to be observant,” he continued. “Observe what they may be going through, what their emotions might be at that point and time. Then once you listen and observe, then you can figure out the best way to motivate them. There’s no one way of doing it. It’s always fluid, ever-changing because it all depends on the individual.”

PHOTOS: Kobe Bryant’s trip to China

While in Shenzhen, China, Bryant said he has “shattered” the timetable for recovery after undergoing surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon in April. The Lakers guard tore his Achilles in an April 12 win over the Golden State Warriors.

A picture of Bryant’s scar recently surfaced via a Facebook fan page (via Kobe Bryant – Our Legend).

Bryant is to be evaluated near the end of August -- after which the Lakers will have a better idea when he will be able to return to the court.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.