Kobe Lies, Dumps Dwight

Of late, Kobe Bryant has hinted that he is aiming to be healthy enough to play in the Lakers' season opener. "The Black Mamba" tore his Achilles tendon on April 12, an injury that normally requires six-nine months of recovery. The 2013-14 NBA season kicks off on October 29. Given Kobe's track-record of playing through injuries and making quick recoveries, his timetable may not be as overly optimistic as it seems.

Kobe limped his way out of his SoCal training facility Thursday with a narrow smirk across his face. He gave us a thumbs up as he made his way toward his car. "Things are looking good!" Kobe exclaimed, his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "I'll be back, and we'll be back. I want another chance at this thing. One more ring and everyone can forget about Michael." 

Of course, we had to ask about his stance on the rumors that Dwight Howard is planning to play with Chris Paul next season, all but eliminating his chances of coming back to the Lakers. "It's cool man," Kobe chuckled. 

"That experiment just didn't work out, me and Dwight. He's no Shaq, you know? He called me last week to check-in, and I just told him that my foot wasn't responding that well. 'D' sounded all concerned and stuff but then he was like: 'Big Bruh, I appreciate you being honest with me.' I hung-up the phone cracking up with my kids. He bought it!"

"I just don't need him to get back where I want to be," he continued. "Pau [Gasol] and I did it, Ron [Metta World Peace] and Steve [Blake] were here. I...we can do it. Dwight was just in the way a little bit, so I cut him loose. I don't have time for a project now. It's rings or bust." 

Before he got into his car, we asked how he thought Mike D'Antoni would fare in his second season as coach of the Lakers. 

The smirk returned to the mamba's face and he gave us a half-sigh, half-laugh. "One step at a time," he called back, as he lifted his surgically repaired left leg into the car and sped off.