EL SEGUNDO, Calif. Steve Young 49ers Jersey . - Mitch Kupchak is confident Kobe Bryant will make an impressive return to the Los Angeles Lakers after losing last season to injuries.The general manager also realizes the Lakers chances of returning to the playoffs probably depend on it.I think hell be very effective, Kupchak said Friday. Im not going to predict what his statistics will be, but ... if we needed 30 or 35 (points) from him, I think he could get it.Kupchak radiated preseason optimism while discussing the Lakers prospects for a rebound from last springs disappointments. Los Angeles finished 27-55 and missed the playoffs for just the third time in 38 years, but the GM believes he has a playoff-contending roster in place around Bryant this fall.Still, much depends on the health of Bryant, who will make $48.5 million over the next two seasons. Just six games after he finally returned from surgery on a torn Achilles tendon last winter, Bryant broke a bone near his knee and was lost for the year.Kupchak has been watching Bryants recovery for several months, observing his workouts at the Lakers training complex and near his home in Orange County. Bryant has lost at least 10 pounds during the process, getting back down to his playing weight prior to the injuries.I think hes going to have an excellent year, Kupchak said. Hes going to play differently than he played 10 years ago. Maybe not so different than what he played two or three years ago, because if youve tracked his progress over the years ... hes gradually turned into a seasoned veteran, knowing when to turn it on.He goes to certain spots on the court. He doesnt take wild shots. He doesnt gamble as much on defence. I think youll see a player similar to what you saw two years ago. Hell do as much as he has to do to put us into the best chance to win.Health is the Lakers primary concern, and theyve got it so far. Steve Nash, who played in just 15 games last season, said he is in his best condition in the last two years, while new forward Carlos Boozer also appears to be revitalized after wearing down last season in Chicago.Yet the Lakers are very aware that Bryant turned 36 last month, and Nash is 40 as both guards head into their 19th NBA seasons. Kupchak would support Byron Scott if the new coach elects to limit the guards minutes or participation in back-to-back games, but theyll have time to discuss it after Los Angeles opens training camp Monday.If there is some kind of a mandate to restrict minutes or games, hopefully the players understand it and they work with Byron on it, Kupchak said, mindful of Bryants competitive nature.(Bryant) looks really good, says he feels great, Kupchak added. No ill effects on either injury. Steve Nash says he feels the best hes felt in a long time. Hes been working out, playing every day. ... I think were a little bit more apprehensive with Steve, naturally, because of what he went through last year and his age.The Lakers tried to get help for Bryant in the off-season, but free agents LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony declined to join Kobe and the 16-time champions. Even Pau Gasol signed with the Bulls, spurning the Lakers and their fans who loved to hate him.Kupchak held up his summer personnel moves while courting the leagues top names, but came up empty.If you dont try, you dont know, Kupchak said. We went all-out to try to pursue (James and Anthony). I think we came close, I really do, but it doesnt really matter.So while the Lakers hope Nash stays healthy, Boozer and Jeremy Lin revitalize their careers, Nick Young keeps scoring and draft pick Julius Randle develops into an elite power forward, theyll continue to count on Bryant.Its comforting to know hell be here two more years, and hes healthy, Kupchak said. With him on the court, were always going to have the chance to win games. Y.A. Tittle Womens Jersey . -- With his team down 16 points in the second quarter and headed for another blowout loss at home, Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson yelled out to his players to keep shooting and keep fighting on defence. Terrell Owens Jersey . Pinch-hitter Tommy Medica singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and the Padres beat the Seattle Mariners 2-1 in their first home game since Gwynn died of cancer Monday. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Ronnie-Lott-Jersey/ .J. -- Kyle Palmieri thrilled his personal rooting section with an overtime winner that sent the Anaheim Ducks to their seventh straight win. CARDIFF -- Fraizer Campbell scored from two second-half corners Sunday as newly promoted Cardiff stunned Manchester City 3-2 for its first top-flight victory in more than 50 years. Campbell put Cardiff up 2-1 against the run of play when he nodded home from two yards out in the 79th minute and then added a second from another corner eight minutes later to secure a massive upset in the teams first Premier League home game. Alvaro Negredo pulled a goal back in injury time but City couldnt find an equalizer despite a full six minutes added on. Well be the underdogs for a lot of the games this season but, as we showed, weve got great determination and hopefully thatll see us through," Campbell said. "The most special thing was getting the three points. When youre a promoted side, you dont want to wait too long to get any points on the board so today was a massive bonus for us." Cardiff is playing top-flight football for the first time in 51 years after being promoted last season, and even a draw against the heavily favoured City would probably have caused widespread jubilation at Cardiff City Stadium. A single point was what most fans wwere hoping for against a City team that beat Newcastle 4-0 last Monday to start its campaign -- especially after Edin Dzeko put the visitors ahead with a fierce strike in the 52nd minute. Custom San Francisco 49ers Jerseys. But Aron Gunnarsson levelled for Cardiff by slotting in a rebound in the 60th and Campbell then did the rest to secure the biggest upset yet of the young Premier League season. City goalkeeper Joe Hart seemed to misjudge Peter Whittinghams inswinging corner and Campbell was on hand near the far corner to push it into the net from close range -- following a 10-minute spell where City had dominated possession completely. Campbells second goal was similar, although the corner came from the left this time as he escaped Pablo Zabaleta to head home what proved to be a historic winning goal. "We played against a very difficult team. They were with 10 players in their own box and it was very difficult for us to try to score," City manager Manuel Pellegrini said. "When we scored the first goal I thought we played a bit better after that. But their set pieces decided the match. It was just two corners that decided the game." ' ' '