Friday night’s contest between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors was supposed to be about the ridiculous play of Stephen Curry, the questionable officiating and the need for both teams to win the game.
All of that went out the window when it was revealed after the game that Kobe Bryant likely suffered a catastrophic injury: a torn Achilles tendon.
Bryant suffered the injury while making a move to the basket against Harrison Barnes in the fourth quarter, before he collapsed after feeling the Achilles give out. Before the injury, he also suffered what appeared to be a hyper-extended knee.
A teary-eyed Kobe admitted that he probably tore his Achilles after the game. Here is the full interview, along with reports and reactions:
If Kobe did, indeed, suffer a torn Achilles, it signifies that he will have to miss at least eight to 12 months to recover from the injury.
For a player of his caliber – a legend whose work ethic and desire is practically unmatched – this is no way to end a career. Not everyone will agree about the overall play of Kobe on the court, but the sheer will, heart and greatness he has displayed over the years has been nothing short of unbelievable – win or lose.
Basketball isn’t and won’t be the same without him, but as he said at the end of his interview, don’t expect the superstar to end his career on this note, if tests confirm what everyone is assuming. Knowing him, he will accept and embrace the challenge of returning to the court – whether he is fully capable of being himself or not. We should expect nothing less from a man that loves the game as much as he does.
Edit: Kobe was up at 3:30 AM and decided to vent in detail on facebook. Believe me, this is a must read:
Here are the reactions of players around the league after hearing of Kobe’s injury (be sure to click through):
