When he suffered a nasal fracture and concussion, thanks to a foul courtesy of Dwyane Wade at the All-Star Game, he added two more injuries to the list.
After finishing the game in Orlando without any discussion, due to a new concussion policy that the NBA instituted, he had to pass a series of tests before being cleared to play. For once, his personal pain threshold didn't matter. It was all about acing the tests and getting cleared by a neurologist.
The L.A. Times explains:
The NBA ruled last December that players must pass a series of medical tests and remain asymptomatic for at least 24 hours before they could return to the lineup after a concussion. So Bryant recalled driving around 'all over the place' so he could complete a series of exercises, including neurological, treadmill, bicycle and agility tests. He then completed a game of two-on-two and then has made five visits to neurologist Vern Williams to prove he remains asymptomatic.
In a league where players pride themselves on playing through pain and often feel that they're expected to shake off bumps and bruises to earn the salaries they're making, the concussion policy was an important move for the NBA. Ensuring that all players are healthy and ready to get back on the court to compete shows that the league emphasizes the importance of the well-being of their athletes.
While Bryant passed all of the tests in time to return to action without missing any time, he's wearing a mask to protect his face and has also been receiving treatment for neck pain. Bryant said he will continue to wear the mask after taking a shot to the face from Shane Battier in the Lakers' 93-83 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon.
Bryant to...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
