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It’s business as usual for Kobe Bryant.

If you told him he had been sidelined for the better part of two seasons, he probably wouldn’t believe you.

That was in the past.

Now it’s time to get back to work.

Bryant looked surprisingly fluid, comfortable, and strong in the Lakers 2014-2015 pre-season debut against the Denver Nuggets Monday night. He was still on the court by the end of the 3rd quarter even when the other starters had been taken out. I was holding my breath. 

Just get through this first pre-season game intact.

He made it.

And looked fantastic.

It was just one irrelevant game in the grand scheme of things. The grind of a tough NBA season, and the true test, approaches.

But if this was any indicator, the Mamba is back.

If you’re the one guarding him, you’ll probably doubt him.

Until he puts up 20 on you and puts you in your place.

Let the NBA season begin!