Kobe Bryant's injury recovery is one of the most marvelous developments in the NBA off-season. 

Kobe Bryant almost shattered his Achilles tendon with no less than 17 years of wear and tear. Now he has shattered something different-his recovery time.

Kobe was seen running in a rehabilitation facility, four months after his almost career-ending injury sustained last April 12. He should still be in crutches, at the very least.

However, Kobe's notorious competitiveness got the better of him, and he has posted a video on his Instagram account of him running at the Lakers' training facility. He was using an 'anti-gravity' treadmill as part of his rehabilitation program.

Basketball observers, both Lakers fans and critics, have reacted with delightful surprise to outright shock at the superstar's recovery.

The Black Mamba initially went public stating that he will make it to the Lakers' opening night match for the 2013-2014 season but during the rehabilitation process, the picture became clear to him that he needed to set a more realistic goal.

Kobe has appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Show and in the course of their conversation, admitted that he is 'uncertain' if he would suit up for the season opener on October 29. That being said, Bryant's determination has not let up. Nor is his passion for the game.

In the off-season, the best basketball can be found in the Pro-Am circuit where some legit NBA stars and aspirants mix it up for some sorely missed hoops action. In the League Finale, play was interrupted when Kobe stepped inside the gymnasium, albeit as a spectator.

The Mamba's presence is welcome news, but the Lakers' brass is not exactly jumping for joy. Management has been very vocal that they want Kobe to take his time on the rehabilitation, citing Kobe's age and the prospect of being sidelined permanently.

Kobe's mercurial recovery might prove to be more damaging in the long run, since this is not his first major injury. Speculation that the Lakers actually want to 'tank' (lose on purpose) the season to get better draft position have been widespread, and Kobe's stubborn will to win gets in the way.