Bryant was a full participant in the Lakers' Tuesday practice, taking part in 5-on-5 with the team and showing little rust.
“I’m pleasantly surprised, Bryant said, according to the team. "Been doing some things… It’s always different in a game though.”
As for when he will play in a game, there still is no set date for his return. The Lakers previously said they would defer to Bryant on his level of practice involvement, and they are likely to take the same approach with games.
“It’s tough to say," Bryant said. "Monitor how it goes today and see if I can come back and go full bore tomorrow.”
While he was out, Bryant worked on his body. He said he will return better equipped to handle the physical side of basketball.
“I’m a lot, lot stronger," Bryant said. "Able to hold defenders off with my off-hand. Much, much stronger.”
Bryant is aware that he will rejoin a different team from the last Lakers squad he played with, and he will have to find ways to make them better while also working himself into basketball shape. He doesn't have a plan in place to attack that issue, though.
The Lakers' personal Twitter account provided some visuals of Bryant's first day back with the team. Check it out below.
Bryant in 5-on-5
Bryant shooting after practice
