Kobe Bryant Out With Injury For Rest of 2013/2014 NBA Season

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who is recovering from a fractured lateral tibial plateau of his left knee, was examined yesterday by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo, who determined that Bryant’s injury has still not healed.

With this diagnosis, Bryant will not return to play this season, it was announced by the team.

"With Kobe’s injury still not healed, the amount of time he’d need to rehab and be ready to play, and the amount of time remaining in the season, we’ve simply run out of time for him to return," said Athletic Trainer Gary Vitti. "However, Kobe will have the entire offseason to heal, rehab and prepare, and we look forward to him being 100% for the start of next season."

"Obviously this has been a frustrating and disappointing season, but I appreciate all the support I’ve received from the Lakers and the fans, and look forward to being back and ready for the start of training camp," said Bryant.

The announcement puts an official end to the most frustrating campaign of the 35-year-old Bryant's illustrious 18-year NBA career, one that began with Bryant on the shelf as he rehabilitated from the career-shaking torn left Achilles tendon he suffered during an April 12, 2013, game against the Golden State Warriors.