He’s baaaack! By Gamerscore Blog from USA, via Wikimedia Commons

The first word that popped into my head when I watched Kobe Bryant return to the lineup last night was “rhythm.” After being sidelined for nearly eight months with reconstructive Achilles surgery, Bryant is now back and full-go with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Many anticipated Kobe to come firing out of the gate, like he never left the game. At same point we all have to realize that yes, Kobe is still human and now matter how good he was before his injury it will take him some time to get his “rhythm” back. The question is, how long?

I was sidelined for nine months of my college career after a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in my right knee. Similar to Achilles tears, blowing out a knee like I did is one of the worst and toughest injuries to come back from in sports. It is an interesting feeling knowing that I can relate to what number 24 on the Lakers is going through. With that in mind, I am not worried at all about Kobe’s return.

The stat line for the Black Mamba in his first game back against the Toronto Raptors (a team Kobe once scored 81 points against) was 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and the most uncharacteristic stat for Kobe — 8 turnovers. He was also -16 on player efficiency after logging nearly 30 minutes of play. The last thing Laker fans need to do is start to freak-out.

Injuries like Kobe’s require complete remodeling of the body; you have to understand how to keep yourself healthy by dedicating more time to nutrition, fitness, sleep patterns and social life decisions. This is where I believe Kobe has the advantage with his experience, wisdom and knowledge of the game.

Every year is one year older for Kobe and his reconstructed Achilles, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t stopped trying to improve his body. Another thing I noticed was his upper body size and strength. After being sidelined with an injury that keeps you from using your legs much, Kobe has clearly been in the weight room becoming stronger for his return. No longer will he be the fastest guy, most explosive, or just the best athlete on the floor and that’s something he has to accept. With the combination of an Achilles injury and an aging body, Kobe has to now be even smarter than before and be able to use his body more to create plays for his team and himself.

I will give Kobe until Christmas to get his “rhythm” back and hopefully get the Lakers in playoff contention. Until then Lakers fans shouldn’t worry about Kobe’s ability to play the game of basketball. It will come, even if it’s a little ugly at first. For me, it is just damn good to see number 24 back in the purple and gold.