It was already clear heading into the campaign that the 2013-14 season would be a challenging one for Kobe and the Lakers as a whole. Bryant started the season on the shelf after tearing his Achilles just prior to the playoffs last season. He was able to work his way back, but his triumphant return was short-lived.
Per the Los Angeles Times, Bryant suffered a knee fracture on Dec. 17 against the Memphis Grizzlies that is expected to keep him out of action for six weeks:
The Lakers are currently 13-16, which places them 12th in the Western Conference. Amusingly enough, they would be a playoff team if they were in the Eastern Conference, but they don't enjoy such a luxury. Los Angeles is stuck in the Western Conference, which just so happens to be stacked with quality teams.
L.A. is three games behind the Dallas Mavericks for eighth place in the Western Conference, and it's very difficult to imagine the Lakers narrowing that gap without Bryant in the coming weeks.
Even so, Bryant's resolve to return is greater than ever. According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, Kobe has no plans to sit out for the remainder of the season, even with his Lakers struggling.
It's funny; I've read all the comments and things like that. It can't help but feed into my focus. It's obviously not something I wanted to have happen. From that standpoint you have to look at the injury for exactly what it is.
It's going to heal and be as strong as it ever was. I was fortunate that it wasn't a meniscus (tear) or anything else. There is nothing that I have to really do from a recovery standpoint other than to let the bone heal and the...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
