Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has revealed that he is confident Kobe Bryant will be fit for the start of his side's training camp.
The 36-year-old underwent shoulder surgery in January after he was ruled out for the second half of the 2014-15 season with a torn rotator cuff.
However, Bryant has made strides in his recovery in the off-season and is on target to return for the beginning of training camp in October.
"My understanding is that he'll be ready for camp," Kupchak told USA Today.
"Knowing Kobe, he will try to participate in every practice in camp. But myself and Byron [Scott] are going to have something to say about that.
"So I'm sure there will be a practice or two or three where we won't let him practice, but I do expect him to be full bore at camp."
Bryant has revealed that the 2015-16 season is likely to be the last of his career in the NBA.