This just in: Kobe Bryant exhaled. Though debate rages whether he performed this task at 73 or 79 per cent of his capacity, all agreed it was a good sign. Or something.

The NBA is indulging in a Bryant Watch, and it is relentless in Los Angeles, where every step he takes is studied to determine when the Los Angeles Lakers’ standout guard might return from his Achilles injury. Bryant and the Lakers have been careful not to announce a timetable for his return, leading to constant speculation. Bryant has agreed to talk to the media only once a week while rehabilitating the repaired tendon, so interest far outstrips information.

The Lakers lost the centre Dwight Howard to free agency in the off-season and, minus Bryant, as well, are only 5-7. Bryant in his prime likely could not turn around this team, but at age 35 and coming off major leg surgery?

When it was learnt on Saturday that Bryant had practised for the first time since his April surgery, the NBA was aflutter. Every major sports website in the US treated the story like big news.

In the Los Angeles Times, the lead story was not a big upset by the local college football team or the LA Clippers beating the Brooklyn Nets. It was, in bold capitals: “BRYANT BACK ON THE COURT”. They at least avoided the temptation to add exclamation marks.

Most fans hope he comes back strong and healthy. Until then, maybe they should just let him train and be sore and take his small steps back — without the NBA coming to a standstill.