Sitting at 2-3 this season, it's obvious that the Los Angeles Lakers need Kobe Bryant now more than ever before.
Fighting his way back from injury, Bryant recently told Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times that his Achilles tendon "felt fine."
While there is no set timetable for his comeback, Bryant's return to the Lakers will help this struggling team in more ways than one.
For starters, getting Bryant back in action means the Lakers will have their undisputed leader back on the court.
Although he's been notoriously outspoken at times—according to ESPNLosAngeles.com's Dave McMenamin, Bryant told teammate Pau Gasol to put his "big-boy pants on" last season—Bryant's outstanding play has cemented his legacy as the leader of this franchise.
Whether you point to his five NBA titles or 15 All-Star Game appearances, Bryant's ability to win on just about any stage gives him immense credibility in the locker room.
Coming back to a team loaded with fresh faces, Bryant's unrelenting work ethic and winning ways will help force the guys around him to play better basketball.
However, the main reason why Bryant's return will make the Lakers a dangerous playoff contender is, well, he's Kobe Bryant.
Averaging 27.3 points per game before suffering his injury last season, Bryant has proven over the course of his illustrious career that he will always be able to contribute whenever he's called upon.
For all of those Lakers fans and haters who are worried about how this injury will effect his play at 34 years old, look no further than former Atlanta Hawks superstar Dominique Wilkins.
After suffering a ruptured Achilles in 1992, Wilkins returned the following season to average 29.9 points per game.
If Wilkins could bounce back, there's no reason why Bryant shouldn't be ab...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
