NBA: Kobe Bryant practices with Lakers for first time since injury

Kobe Bryant practiced with his LA Lakers team mates on Saturday for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon seven months ago.

The fourth-leading scorer in NBA history was injured during a game against Golden State in April and, while he has been running on a treadmill for several weeks, he has done few basketball workouts.

The 35-year-old told NBA TV this week: “If there was a playoff game tonight, I’d play. I don’t know how effective I would be, but I would play. But it’s not the playoffs, thank God.

“The fadeaway still works. The ball handling, being able to post, those are things I can do right now.”

And Bryant was involved when the Lakers held a short Saturday practice, following Friday’s home loss to Memphis.

Los Angeles, who are also without guard Steve Nash due to nerve root irritation, have made a slow start to the season and currently have a 4-7 record.