The Lakers announced Friday night that All-Star guard Kobe Bryant has suffered a “probable torn left Achilles” tendon and will undergo an MRI to confirm the injury on Saturday. If confirmed, the injury would surely end his 2012-13 season.
“Terrible,” Bryant said during post-game comments. “A terrible feeling. … I made a move I’ve made a million times, and [the Achilles] just popped.”
Bryant, 34, left the Lakers’ 118-116 win over the Warriors on Friday after falling to the court in the fourth quarter while attempting to drive to his left past Harrison Barnes on the perimeter. Bryant walked off the court under his own power but moved gingerly. Bryant departed with 3:05 remaining in the fourth quarter and did not return. He finished with 35 points, five rebounds and four assists in 45 minutes.
The 5-time champion and 15-time All-Star reportedly spoke openly about the possibility of surgery after the game and would not entertain the idea that the injury, which could sideline him for months, would be career-ending.
“Are you kidding?” Bryant said in response to a query on the subject, according to Lakers.com.
The 17-year veteran appeared to suffer two previous injuries during the game. He came up holding his left knee after a hard drive to the hoop and appeared to favor his right ankle after a spinning drive.
Bryant averaged 27.3 points, 6.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 77 appearances for the Lakers entering Friday. He has averaged 38.5 minutes per game this season, tied for fourth-most in the NBA, and has played at least 40 minutes in L.A.’s last seven games. Bryant previously missed time this season with a sprained ankle.
L.A. improved to 43-37 with the win and maintained control of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, holding a one-game lead over Utah, who beat Minnesota on Friday night. The Lakers have just two games remaining in the regular season, against the Spurs on Sunday and the Rockets on Wednesday.
from cnnsi.com
