Bryant making progress

LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant is making steady progress in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, although the Los Angeles Lakers star is likely still weeks away from a return to the court.

Before Friday night’s game with the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant said he’s running on flat ground “a little bit more aggressively” and improving the flexibility in his ankle. Bryant also works out regularly on a special treadmill at the Lakers’ training complex.

While Bryant isn’t projecting a return date, he has said he would need about three weeks of conditioning work before returning to practice, noting, “this week it’s done pretty well, actually.”