Courtesy of ESPN Dot Com
NBA Star and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is out for the season with a ruptured Achilles that he suffered while making a move off of his left leg going to the basket in a close game last night against the Golden State Warriors, which the Lakers ultimately won 118-116. Kobe crumbled to the ground and claims to have heard a pop. He was able to go back to the locker room, but said when he tries to put pressure on his ankle, there is no feeling.
“I made a move that I make a million times and it just popped,” said Bryant.-ESPN
Kobe had asked the Warrior player guarding him whether or not he tripped him, which he replied “no”. Then, Kobe had known the injury was likely very serious.
“I was just hoping it wasn’t what I knew it was,” Bryant said. “Just trying to walk it off, hoping that the sensation would come back, but no such luck.”-Kobe Bryant
At age 34, Kobe Bryant was averaging 38.6 minutes per game, second most this year, and 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists, but this setback has him done for the season and the playoffs even if the Lakers hold on to the 8th spot. Kobe had been selected to his 15th all-star game this year, joined the 30,000 point club and recently passed NBA great and Philly native Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list. Kobe had surgery on the injury today and it will take 6-9 months for the Achilles tendon to heal. The Lakers are currently in a playoff race as they hold a 1 game lead over the Utah Jazz for the 8th seed with 2 games remaining. We wish Kobe Bryant a healthy and speedy recovery.
For more info on the story click the link provided by ESPN Dot Com: http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9166874/kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers-probably-tore-achilles-team-says
