Count Kobe Bryant as a Metta World Peace admirer.
After suffering a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee on March 25, MWP was expected to miss a minimum of six weeks. But, not even a week after surgery to fix the tear, World Peace hopes to suit up for the Lakers tonight vs. New Orleans at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Bryant, a veteran of 17 NBA seasons and numerous injuries, was more than impressed at practice on Monday.
“I call him Logan now, he’s Wolverine," said Bryant, in reference to popular comic and action-movie character Wolverine from X-Men, known for his quick healing powers.
MWP out on the practice court today. #GoLakers vine.co/v/btuq7IIhiTr
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 8, 2013
"(I'm) Not very surprised, he (MWP) takes care of himself. Still very impressive.”
MWP says he could have played immediately after the surgery
"The doctor asked me to stand up and put pressure on the knee," MWP told reporters. "I did and told them I didn't feel any pain. I could have played right away."
Coach Mike D'Antoni said the Lakers will re-evaluate MWP after Tuesday's shootaround and make the decision prior to game time.
"Right now, I'd say he's got an 80 to 90 percent chance of playing," D'Antoni added.
