Lakers News: Jim Buss Needs to Stop Talking About Kobe Bryant’s Injury

Kobe Bryant doesn't need his owner being the first person to publicly set a timetable vastly ahead of the typical recovery period for his injury. He already has a myriad of external and internal factors at play pushing him to get back onto the court after his Achilles setback. 

However, players don't always get what they need from their owners, and in this case, Jim Buss is doing Kobe Bryant no favors.

While watching the Lakers' summer league game in Las Vegas on Thursday, he offered this up to ESPN's Arash Markazi: 

Well, we're in Vegas, and I would bet a lot of money that this guy comes back probably in preseason. He's real sharp in taking care of himself and he's not going to rush anything just to get back and prove a point. He's going to come back when he's right. He's a machine. He's inhuman. I see him coming back at the beginning of this season. I can't believe how much he's progressed so far.

Of course, there's a good chance you've already seen that quote, since it is getting major play at every sports outlet. And therein lies the problem. 

There is far more to be lost than gained for the Lakers by putting this out there now. 

I can understand the desire for Buss to say something like this. The Lakers haven't exactly been building a lot of momentum this offseason after watching Dwight Howard take less money to sign with the Houston Rockets. 



Combine that with the fact that Kobe's injury was supposed to keep him out at least until mid-October, and it is hard for the perception surrounding next year's Lakers to be filled with anything but gloom. 

So, Buss can gain a sense of positive momentum by saying his team's star player will be back on the court in the preseason, and keep the profile on this storied franchise high.

However, while this gets fans buzzing about the amazing Kobe Bryant for a bit...