Dave McMenamin of ESPN had more information on the decision to rule Bryant out:
The news was originally reported by Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report:
Following the announcement, Bryant spoke about the news (via Ding):
Gary Vitti, the Lakers' trainer, also spoke about next season and Bryant's status for the beginning of the campaign (via Ding):
The 35-year-old shooting guard returned to the lineup briefly in December after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in April 2013, but was forced back to the sideline after just six games because of a fractured lateral tibial plateau near his knee.
The injury, which occurred on Dec. 17, was only supposed to keep Bryant out for six weeks. However, persistent pain and swelling in the knee has forced the five-time NBA champion to continue his rehab.
Bryant recently spoke about the injury, expressing his frustration over the lengthy recovery process, per Kustoo.com's Jacques Slade via Los Angeles Daily News' Mark Medina:
It’s progressing slowly. It really tests my patience. There’s only so much I can do. I find myself relegated to a bike. The first few weeks, it’s cool. I’m getting a good workout in. Third or fourth, I’m thinking I need to do something else. I want to play. I want to run.
With Bryant being shutdown for the rest of the year, 2013-14 will mark the first season in his 18-year NBA career that he's missed more than 17 regular-season games.
The Lakers's struggles on the court certainly reflect that. At 22-42, L.A. is currently tied with the Sacramento Kings for the worst ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
