NEW ORLEANS Kobe Bryant cheerfully answered questions about his new line of shoes, a possible visit to India and his preference for old-school dunk contest rules. His joviality didn't quite carry over to the update on his injured left knee. The Lakers guard said before the All-Star game Sunday that his recovery was "coming slowly" and did not provide a timetable for a possible return from the injury that has sidelined him since Dec. 17. "I'm optimistic coming out of the break that I will have some improvements once I get back to L.A. and do a couple [of] follow-ups and then go from there," Bryant said. "But it's been a slow process." It was the second time Bryant, whose 16 All-Star selections are most among active players, has been unable to play in the midseason showcase because of injuries. He also sat out in 2010. Bryant said he remained hopeful to return this season after having played in only six games because of the injured kne...