Kobe Bryant unsure of return to team this season

[Sportsguy9695]

Kobe Bryant sounded more confident about the Los Angeles Lakers' ability to return to the ranks of the NBA's elite teams with their summer transactions than he did in his ability to return to the court this season.

Calling his recovery from a broken bone in his left knee "a slow process," Bryant was vague about the prospects of a return in the Lakers' 29 remaining games.

"Just try to get better and then go from there," he said when asked of his hopes for playing. "I just try to focus, keep my blinders on and just do what I have to do and not worry too much about what's going on around you, but just stay focused on what my responsibilities are."

Bryant held a news conference before the All-Star Game. He was voted into the starting lineup by fans despite playing just six games after returning from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered last season before he broke the bone in his knee.

Bryant said he hasn't even thought about playing in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain in September, but said he will play more pickup games than usual. Playoff games aren't on the agenda -- with a record of 18-35, the Lakers are on track to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

Source: ESPN LA

 

[Retroram52]

I am fairly certain Kobe is done for this year. That knee is just not coming around, it remains swollen and tender, and all of this losing is just not his style. Just like Nash, he'll sit for the remainder of the season.

 

[trojanfight]

almost have to think he sat down with management and decided on sitting out. realistically I think he could come back in mid march about a month from now. healthy gasol him and nick young they would be competitive again...wont beat the thunder or clippers but rest of the mediocre teams. they have a realistic shot at a top 3 pick. with him back its probably closer to 7-10

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

No reason to even risk coming back this season, when the Lakers have big plans for next season. He needs to take this season off, no but's about it.

 

[trojanfan12]

Agree with everyone re: Kobe sitting out. If he comes back this season at all, it should only be for the last 10-15 games and on a limited minutes basis just to get some run in.

 

[DimesD]

He shoulda sat the whole year with the achilles to begin with. Nash old man. gets knee slammed by Lillard. Broken knee, a year later still has nerve damage. Kobe old man. gets knee slammed by Allen. Broken. Nerve damage???? no one's saying. Point. Old people and injuries need time, lots of it.

 

[RoboticDreams]

I'm looking forward to seeing Kobe next year. No need to risk undo stress on the knee this season.

Man do I miss seeing him play. One of my favorite players of all time.

 

[lakersrule]

Old people and injuries need time, lots of it.

I understand that now that I'm in my 40's!!

 

[Retroram52]

 

[GMATCa]

There is absolutely no point in Kobe Bryant playing a minute of basketball for the remainder of the season.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

I think everyone here gets the point. He should come back 100% next year alongside a high draft pick.

 

[Sportsguy9695]

theres no reason for Kobe to come back this year. the Lakers are playing for nothing right now so why risk getting re injured

 

[bluepigpen]

Kobe should have set out the entire year. The Lakers can't smell playoffs let alone a nice run at a title without a healthy Kobe. Short Buss and Mitch should have figured this out a long time ago.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

I just saw the Mitch Kupchak Interview & he said " We made an investment on Kobe for 2 years & theirs no reason for him to comeback this season " - Mitch


There you have it folks...boom!!!

 

[trojanfan12]

I just saw the Mitch Kupchak Interview & he said " We made an investment on Kobe for 2 years & theirs no reason for him to comeback this season " - Mitch


There you have it folks...boom!!!

This would seem to indicate that the Lakers have some plans for the next 2 seasons (as Kobe has alluded to). Especially if they have gotten Kobe to be on board with not coming back.