Kobe Bryant returns to the practice floor on Saturday

Kobe Bryant made his long awaited return to the practice court Saturday, taking another step toward full recovery.

According to LA Times the practice consisted of some contact drills.

Apparently the team was only supposed to go half speed, but Stev Blake claims that it "turned into 100% real fast. And Kobe was part of it."

Bryant's teammates seemed pleased with his performance.

"He looks like Kobe to me, basically. He's moving well, right back to his old self," Blake said.

"He looked good -- really good," said Pau Gasol. "It was his first time back out there but he looked really good, which I'm very happy to see."

USA Today reports thatKobe told ex-teammate Rick Fox on NBA TV that he would play if it were playoffs right now.

The Lakers play Sunday against the Pistons, then not again until Friday against Golden State. Bryant's official return still has no timetable.

“The next practice day will be Tuesday. We’ll look forward to see what he can do then,” said Lakers spokesman John Black.