Kobe Bryant has returned to Germany to undergo platelet-rich plasma treatment on his right knee, according to ESPN.
Known as Orthokine, Bryant underwent the procedure on the same knee in 2011 and later raved about how much better he felt in the aftermath. A team spokesperson for the Lakers confirmed that Bryant left the country on Wednesday and is expected back sometime early next week. ESPN added that Bryant did not speak with coach Mike D'Antoni prior to departing, but did go over his plans with team trainer Gary Vitti, who then informed D'Antoni.
"I don't think it's a surprise," D'Antoni told ESPN. "I think he had it programmed, and just the way it was, he knew he had time because he's not getting on the court yet. So I don't think it's a big deal, and I don't think it caught him by surprise. Instead of doing it in August, he's doing it now. There's no concern whatsoever."
ESPN reports the rich-plasma procedure involves removing blood from the affected area and spinning it in a centrifuge. Molecules that cause inflammatory responses are then removed to create a serum that is injected back into the affected area
"It worked out well," Lakers forward Pau Gasol said when asked about Bryant's previous trip to Germany. "He said he was a new man with a brand-new knee. He said it felt a lot better. I guess that's why he's going back, to get another boost."
Bryant, who is also recovering from offseason surgery for a torn Achilles, did some light jogging and set shooting prior to practice Wednesday, his first on-court participation in training camp since it opened last weekend.
The Lakers haven't provided a timetable on Bryant's return from the Achilles injury other than saying in April that he would be back in six to nine months.
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