Doctor: Kobe will be back

LOS ANGELES – The doctor who performed surgery on Kobe Bryant’s ruptured Achilles tendon said he expects the Los Angeles Lakers star to be back playing at some point next season.

Speaking exclusively to the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Neal ElAttrache said Sunday that Bryant’s competitive drive and mental toughness will give him an edge in recovering from a Grade 3 rupture that figures to sideline him at least six to nine months.