After missing his fifth consecutive game with a shin injury, Kobe Bryant was asked about whether or not he will return to the Los Angeles Lakers before the upcoming NBA playoffs. With the team seemingly firing on all cylinders without the league’s leading scorer, Kobe’s presence on the floor for Los Angeles hasn’t been needed with players like Metta World Peace and Andrew Bynum leading the team to a 4-1 record in the last five games.

Even though the Lakers seem to be coming together without their undisputed leader on the floor, the Black Mamba wants to get back as soon as possible. The return date has yet to be determined for Kobe, but the five-time NBA champion is intent on returning before the playoffs.

With just five games remaining in the regular season, Kobe could very well sit out until the playoffs and the Lakers would still have a great chance of clinching the third seed in the Western Conference. Despite that being the case, Kobe wants to be game-ready for when the Lakers take on a team like the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

With that being said, Kobe will almost certainly get back on the floor for the Lakeshow before the postseason. The only reason for Kobe not getting back in uniform would be a setback with his shin injury. Reports say the Kobe’s shin is healing incredibly quick and should be ready for the playoffs.

As of right now, the Lakers are sitting in the three seed in the West. It appears that the Lakers have that spot practically wrapped up with only a handful of games remaining, but the Los Angeles Clippers are quickly moving up the standings and might put pressure on the Lakeshow in the final weeks of the regular season.

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