Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will be making his return next season; and he believes they will be able to reach the playoffs after failing to make it for the past two seasons.
In a phone interview with Yahoo Sports, Bryant said when asked if the Lakers will make it to the postseason, "Of course it can. Absolutely. We have talented players in their respective positions. We have some really young players."
Bryant added that they still do not know how the "pieces of the puzzle fit" but they will figure that out during training camp.
The 36-year-old basketball star also applauded in the interview the Lakers' efforts this offseason because of their new acquisitions.
Los Angeles drafted a promising point guard in D'Angelo Russell, the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. The team also added former All-Star center Roy Hibbert, reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, and veteran big man Brandon Bass to its roster this offseason.
Aside from these players, the other bright spot for the Lakers is point guard Jordan Clarkson who shone last season and is expected to be a factor this year. Another is the return of 2014 seventh overall pick Julius Randle.
Randle sat out the entire 2014–15 season after getting injured in their season opener in 2014.
Bryant said the team for next season will have youth and veteran leadership, adding that the challenge is mixing those two but he is looking forward to it.
If Bryant remains healthy for the entire 2015–16 season, that would be his first full season after suffering injuries in the past two seasons which ended his campaigns early.
After all the setbacks, the injuries, and his age, Bryant was asked about retiring from the game.
"We haven't set anything in stone and I've talked about it before," Bryant answered.
He also said, "It's tough to decide. It's really tough to make those types of decisions. Players I have spoken to say, 'Kobe you will know.'"
Bryant was also asked about his body which he said is feeling really good with his lower body being solid, adding that he is going through all these because of his love for the game.
