Kobe Bryant injury update

Kobe Bryant who had an Achilles tendon tear seven months ago is now back practicing in LA Lakers court.

Reports say that it was time to test his leg if he's ready to play and he is expected to be on the court anytime this year or early next year.

Kobe Bryant is somewhat worried that his explosiveness might be gone when he plays again. It poses as a challenge for him for this might be the first time he might miss the all-star game because of injuries.

"A lot of people with Achilles injuries lose their explosiveness," Bryant said. "They try to make a move and now that's giving on them and they can't maintain that. So you lose that pop. And that last bit is where you really fight to make sure the muscle is strong enough to be able to maintain that. ... The explosiveness for the Achilles is always the most challenging, the most tedious part of the deal."

Teammates were shocked and happy at the same time to see their franchise player back in the court practicing with them. The appearance of Kobe Bryant made Lakers players excited to play again.

''He looked good and did a few moves I didn't expect him to do right away,'' center Pau Gasol told Lakers.com. ''I'm very happy for him and for us, and definitely looking forward to when he'll play in a game.''

Lakers player Xavier Henry noticed how Kobe is playing slower than usual which he understands with that kind of injury. He believes that Bryant needs to recover slowly for the injury to not go back.

"He was out there making shots, basically being himself, just at a slower pace," Henry said. "He'll be all right sooner or later. He's of course not 100 percent, but to see him out there - it helps."