The Lakers’ season has been all about Kobe Bryant. First it was about him cracking the 32,000 point mark. Then it was about him passing Jordan on the All-Time scorers list. Now it’s about Kobe and his future. Several injuries have come up. He’s admitting that he’s hurting everywhere. People are now asking questions about Kobe’s future. Will he make it to the end of the season? Will he even make the end of his 2 year deal? It’s very sobering thinking about how human Kobe Bryant is.
And now according to ESPN.com. Kobe Bryant has suffered a torn rotator cuff.
The Lakers announced that Bryant will return to Los Angeles and will be examined by team doctors Friday instead of playing that night against the Spurs. The team said an update on Bryant’s condition would be issued then.
Bryant suffered the tear with 4:14 left in the third quarter against the Pelicans when he drove baseline for a two-handed dunk.
“It felt fine when I went up, didn’t feel too good when I came down,” Bryant said after the game.
He grabbed his shoulder as he ran back down the court and checked out of the game a few minutes later.
The game in question was last night’s matchup between the Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans.
He tried to rebound and dribble with his left hand, but it became clear something was wrong when he shot and made a turnaround 14-foot jumper with just his left hand.
“Obviously after I saw that everything he did was with the left hand, I knew then, let’s get him out of there,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said after the game.
“I‘ve played on a torn labrum before,” Bryant said after scoring 14 points in 30 minutes. “I’m not too concerned about it.“
I cannot believe he’s not concerned about this. He must be putting on a front. Seriously the pain he has gone through the past couple of years. I can’t see this going any longer.
And d’you know what’s even more sad? Today is the 9th anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s 81 point game. But if we know anything about Kobe is that he ain’t going out like this. He’s going out dropping 35 with no assists. That’s the Kobe Bryant we all love. And hate. And love to hate.