Kobe Bryant Returns from Injury Next Week; Starts Six-Month Training Program

The much awaited return of Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant finally happens in April 2014, according to a report by ESPN. While he may not return in any official Lakers game yet, the shooting guard was cleared to resume practice and will commence basketball training for six months. Bryant announced the news via his Twitter account, saying that NBA season 2014-2015 will be "epic".

He will first take a short vacation with his family in Europe before he officially starts his running and shooting program. He will also get platelet-rich plasma treatment called Orthokineon on his knee at a German clinic. According to Lakers Nation, Bryant already flew for France on April 16.

Kobe suffered from a left knee fracture on December 17, 2013 when Los Angeles was playing against Memphis. Six weeks before that, he resumed playing after suffering from a ruptured Achilles. The Lakers will have their final game against the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs before ending the 2013-2014 NBA regular season. Without its star, the Lakers will not be part of the playoffs, which also commences in April.

In November 2013, Kobe was re-signed by the Lakers for two more years. The deal was worth $48.5 million. Kobe is well-known for being a very serious and competitive player, and hopes to take the Lakers back to the playoffs and hopefully the NBA Finals next year. He will turn 37 in 2014 and has a lot to prove if whether or not he can get back in top form after his series of injuries, according to a report by ABC. Aside from Bryant's return, the Lakers are also banking on their high draft pick and high cap space available to improve their roster.

Kobe will be cleared by the German clinic to guarantee that he is in top shape and fully recovered before playing again. Lakers fans are hoping that he will perform according to their expectations, and despite his age, will not be suffering any more injuries in the next season.