Kobe Bryant Injury: Updates on Lakers Star's Shoulder and Return
Kobe Bryant injured his shoulder during Los Angeles' loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
The Lakers star underwent an MRI, and it revealed a tear to the rotator cuff. He is expected to miss the rest of the season. Bryant had surgery Wednesday and told reporters he has no plans to retire just yet.
Continue for updates.
Bryant Says He Has No Plans to Retire
Friday, Jan. 30
Kobe Bryant talked about his plans to return next season, according to ESPN:
"'Yeah, that's the plan,' Bryant said.
Bryant said his rehab over the next couple of months will involve 'a lot of patience.'
'Sore, but it's OK,' Bryant said of his shoulder.
Bryant said media opinion on whether he should return for a 20th season or retire wouldn't affect his decision.
'I don't really listen much to what people have to say to be honest with you,' Bryant said.
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On Thursday, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak discussed Bryant's surgery, according to the Lakers' official Twitter feed:
Kupchak also talked about the likelihood of Kobe's return, according to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com:
Bryant Has Surgery, Expected to Miss Nine Months
Thursday, Jan. 29
Kobe Bryant posted a photo to Instagram on Thursday, with the caption "Surgery went well! Thank u for your well wishes. Time to finish producing the #musefilm @vanessabryant made me #chickennoodlesoup Kids #frozenplacemats @drinkbodyarmor hydration #kobeinc":
Bill Orum of the OC Register provided a statement from the Lakers on Jan. 28, who spoke about Bryant's surgery and recovery:
Mark Medina of the LA Daily News reported Bryant would be in a sling for six weeks following surgery.
Bryant Comments on Surgery to The Players' Tribune
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Kobe Bryant commented on the announcement that he would undergo surgery, according to The Players' Tribune:
"I feel like I just returned a 100 yard kickoff in the last two minutes of the Super Bowl to win it all only to have my run called back by a flag on the play.
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The Players' Tribune Releases Video of Bryant Receiving Diagnosis
Saturday, Jan. 24
The Players' Tribune provided a video featuring Bryant speaking to his doctor, who informs him he tore his rotator cuff:
The Players' Tribune later tweeted out comments from Bryant, who spoke about the tough road ahead and the challenges he has already overcome:
Bryant Reportedly Expected to Miss Season
Friday, Jan. 23
The Lakers released an official statement concerning Kobe Bryant's next steps:
"Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who suffered a torn rotator cuff injury during Wednesday night’s game in New Orleans, was examined today in Los Angeles by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo of the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. Lombardo confirmed the diagnosis of a torn rotator cuff and discussed options, including the possibility of surgery, with Bryant. Bryant is scheduled to be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic on Monday, and a decision is expected to be made at that time.
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ESPN's Ramona Shelburne first reported the organization feared the worst.
Bryant also took to Twitter to talk about his injury on Friday:
Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times noted that head coach Byron Scott texted Kobe about his injury:
Bryant's MRI Reveals Tear to Rotator Cuff
Thursday, Jan. 22
Mike Trudell of Lakers.com forwarded a press release that confirmed a tear to Kobe Bryant's rotator cuff:
Magic Johnson offered his condolences to Bryant:
Team Stream Now showed the play Bryant injured himself on Wednesday, Jan. 21 against the Pelicans:
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, this is an injury that initially occurred in the preseason:
Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding discussed the possibility of the Lakers shutting Bryant down for the remainder of the season in the following video:
Ken Berger of CBS Sports indicated there was concern the injury could be season-ending:
Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News provided information on Bryant's expected recovery timeline:
Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported that a firm timetable for Bryant's return won't be known until Friday.
Bryant Injures Shoulder, To Undergo MRI
Wednesday, Jan. 21
These days, Kobe Bryant just can't seem to stay on the court. The 36-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star has now suffered another injury that could keep him out of action for the foreseeable future. He left the team's 96-80 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night with just over a minute remaining.
Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding had the news, via Lakers coach Byron Scott:
Bill Oram of the Orange County Register noted that it's a shoulder injury.
Missing time is nothing new for Bryant, who is now in his 19th season. He participated in just six games in 2013-14 and already admitted in December that he wasn't likely to play beyond next year, per Oram:
So yes, Bryant's career is coming to a close. But for a poor Lakers team lacking any complementary superstars, the loss of Bryant for any period of time is devastating. And for NBA fans, seeing the slow decline of one of the game's greatest players is tough to watch as well.
