Lakers News and Rumors: Kobe Bryant Says He Could Probably Play Now If It Were The NBA Playoffs

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have yet to give a return timetable, but the superstar guard revealed that he is already feeling good after several months of rehabilitation.

Bryant, who underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles that caused him to miss the 2013 NBA Playoffs, said that he could be playing today if it is a playoff or an NBA Finals game.

"If today was a playoff or NBA Finals game, could I play? Probably," said Bryant in an interview with Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report. "I feel pretty damn good, so I'm going to get out today and try to move around on the court."

Bryant, who also underwent knee treatment in Germany last week, is in China for the Lakers' exhibition match against the Golden State Warriors as part of the 2013 NBA Global Games. Bryant was reportedly seen running inside the MasterCard Center and doing workouts to strengthen his surgically-repaired Achilles.

And when asked if his Achilles is bothering him during workouts, the 35-year-old superstar said: "I haven't had any pain or any soreness whatsoever. It's kind of a flexibility thing and getting the range of motion back - feel like you can bend without having to lift the heel up. After months of the tendon being compressed, now you have to work to stretch it out a little bit."

Bryant, who has been a very popular figure in China after having several trips in the basketball-loving nation in the past few years, said that he and the Lakers are looking forward to having a better season. The 17-year-veteran said that last season was very unfortunate, considering the injuries to key players that slowed down their campaign.

"I think it was an unfortunate year," Bryant told reporters in Beijing as reported by ESPN. "We got so many injuries, decimated with injuries. But we're looking forward to getting back out there this year and making up for lost time."