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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Kobe Bryant ahead of schedule, could return to Lakers soon

Kobe spoke to NBA TV on Friday, revealing that he’s getting closer to a return.

Kobe Bryant told NBA TV’s Rick Fox that he would have played Friday if it were a playoff game, indicating that the Lakers star is closer to returning to the lineup.

The interview is available on NBA TV’s website.

Kobe also explained why he won’t set a target for a return. “Once I have set that, then I’m hellbent on doing that at all costs, even to the detriment of the damn Achilles,” Bryant said.

He said he can do a lot of things he’s used to doing right now, but isn’t quite ready to play at full-speed or give fans what they expect from him.

The Lakers are currently 4-7 and in 12th place in the Western Conference.

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