Kobe Bryant took part in his first full-contact practice on Tuesday.
And the Lakers star guard felt pretty good about it.
"I'm pleasantly surprised. Been doing some things ... It's always different in a game though," Bryant told reporters following practice. "It felt good to compete. Get out there and move around, play with my guys, against my guys."
Coach Mike D'Antoni was happy with what he saw from Bryant, who ran 5-on-5 with the Lakers.
"He was up and down pretty good. A little rusty here and there, but pretty good," D'Antoni said.
However Bryant, who has yet to play this season while recovering from Achilles tendon surgery, is not ready to put forth a timetable on his much-anticipated return.
"It's tough to say. Monitor how it goes today and see if I can come back and go full bore tomorrow," said Bryant, who added he got 'much, much stronger' during the time he's been out.
The Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
For more on Bryant from Tuesday, please click here.
