Los Angeles Lakers News: Kobe Cleared To Play, Rival Coaches Dread His Return

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant just received some very good news.

According to Sports Illustrated, Kobe has just been given a medical clearance to return to basketball activities. As fans of the superstar may recall, Kobe underwent a torn rotator cuff surgery last April, which put him on rest for nine months.

And just last week, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said that Kobe will be ready to go to training camp and he is absolutely right.

With his condition cleared and healed, Kobe can now start practicing shooting non-stop and practice until he returns to form. About to enter his 20th and maybe final season, it's just fitting that Kobe Bryant will give his all.

As reported by NBA Hang Time, Kobe's return brings both joy and dread to rival NBA coaches. When healthy, Kobe is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league.

Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl said "I think he's still probably capable of being an All-Star."

Karl further added, "A lot of Kobe Bryant now is his brain as much as it's his skills and athleticism. For years he was skilled and athletically bigger, stronger than the players he played against. Now he's learned the angles. He's still going to be extremely difficult to defend — you're going to need to defend him with one of your better players. He might not be as great defensively but he's still going to make defensive plays."

But Kobe Bryant isn't the only one making progress in the Lakers. As reported by Silver Screen and Roll, new Laker prospect Robert Upshaw was reported to lose up to 20 pounds during his offseason training in San Diego.

Upshaw talked about in an interview about his condition and how he feels "out of shape." But with 20 pounds lost, Upshaw now feels lighter and quicker.

Catch the Lakers in their season-opener this Oct. 28 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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