Lakers star Bryant adds downtime to offseason schedule

[Warren2ThaG]

Lakers star Bryant adds downtime to offseason schedule

"Kobe Bryant reported to the Lakers' training camp last week in tremendous shape, feeling as fit as he has in a long, long time. He owed the spring in his step to a new and radically different offseason workout routine.

 

It's called rest and relaxation.

 

"It was peaceful, got a lot of time to relax, a lot of downtime, just resting and recuperating," Bryant said the other day. "Normally, when I have rest like this it's because of an injury or something like that. I'm perfectly healthy.

 

"All I did was get healthier. It's been a long time. I stayed away from it for a good 22 months. I feel healthier. Legs feel rejuvenated. I feel like I'm in great shape. Nothing's nagging me outside of the hand, the finger, but

 

that's fine."

 

Bryant has played with a damaged right pinky since Feb. 5, 2008, when he jammed it against the body of then- New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd. Surgery was recommended in the summer of 2008, but Bryant decided against it.

 

He blew it off again this summer and now says he'll never have the operation. He said last week he's learned to live, and to play, with the injury.

 

"It never crossed my mind," he said. "I don't think I'll have it. It's not that bad."

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http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_13486003