Kobe Bryant shoots for the first time since shoulder surgery 

KOBE Bryant took a big step closer to his comeback, returning to court to shoot balls for the first time since shoulder surgery.

The five-time NBA champion, who turns 37 on Sunday (Monday, Manila time), was pleased with his return to the court and posted a photo on Instagram on Saturday.

He wrote “First day back on the court shooting! Bout damn time!!” with the hashtags #shoulderrecovery #20thseason @drinkbodyarmor #lakers.

First day back on the court shooting! Bout damn time!! #shoulderrecovery #20thseason @drinkbodyarmor #lakers

A photo posted by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Aug 22, 2015 at 1:59pm PDT

The LA Lakers star underwent shoulder surgery in January to repair a torn rotator cuff and was expected to be out for nine months.

The progress is behind the schedule Bryant had wanted but he could be full recovered in time for the season opener, as the Lakers battle the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 28.