TWC SportsNet panel previews Kobe Bryant’s return

Kobe Bryant jumped over the final hurdle in his rehab, spending the past three weeks shooting and receiving recent medical clearance for all basketball-related activities.

But how will the Lakers’ star look after nursing three consecutive season-ending injuries in consecutive seasons? Can Bryant stay healthy and effective? How easily can he adapt to a different role at small forward and mentor a young crop of players? Will the Lakers’ efforts to reduce his workload ensure he lasts the full year?

Far too early to tell. But on Time Warner Cable Access SportsNet on Thursday night, host Chris McGee, Lakers Nation’s Serena Winters and I addressed what we should expect out of Bryant in exhibition…