Video: Kobe Bryant Back On Court at Lakers Training Camp

The Los Angeles Lakers opened up scrimmage to the media on Thursday, and Kobe Bryant looked sharp.

Kobe Bryant hit shots, faked out defenders, handed the ball off to teammates and even dunked the basketball during Thursday's scrimmage at Los Angeles Lakers' training camp in Hawaii. Yes, the "Black Mamba" appears to be back. At 37 years, Bryant's level of play remains largely unknown, but for the first time since late January, cameras got a good look at Bryant playing five-on-five basketball.

Bryant also took part in Wednesday's scrimmage, but the portion viewed by the media did not feature the 20-year veteran providing any highlights or low-lights. On Thursday, though, Bryant showcased his ability and looked like the player that expects to be a unanimous first-ballot hall-of-fame inductee.

First, Bryant began by showing off a nifty pump fake that he used to get his defender in the air. With the calm patience of a man who has seen just about everything on a basketball court, Bryant let his defender fly by, took a step in and hit a floater. No. 24 also hit one of those patented fadeaway jump shots on the baseline, but he was hardly playing one-on-five.

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Of course, he is not the only player, but Bryant is largely considered the Lakers' most important player.

Other notable standouts from the limited scrimmage time available to the media included point guard Marcelo Huertas. Huertas is a Brazilian point guard who most recently played for FC Barcelona in Spain. Being that Huertas is 32, he is a well-traveled veteran that would expect to plug in immediately. If the Lakers opt to go with a starting backcourt of D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, Huertas would be the perfect fit to distribute and handle the ball for a second unit that includes Lou Williams and Nick Young.

With training camp only a couple days old, a great deal remains undecided. However, the Lakers appear to be off to a positive start, and Bryant back showing that he can influence a game is something that simply should not be glossed over.

Notes: Russell sat out the last portion of running due to a bone bruise on his right foot. However, Lakers coach Byron Scott said the rookie had not been ruled out of the later afternoon practice.

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