Lakers believe Kobe Bryant suffered a torn left Achilles

[PhoSita]

We laugh now, but why do I have the unsettling feeling that this will start a cascade of events that leads to Andrew Wiggins in LA and living up to all his potential?

Theoretically possible if Kobe is out for most of a year, they trade Pau in the off-season, and Dwight signs elsewhere as a free agent.

But I really doubt it.

[fairweatherfan]

We laugh now, but why do I have the unsettling feeling that this will start a cascade of events that leads to Andrew Wiggins in LA and living up to all his potential?

highly unlikely. The lakers are in control to make the playoffs

Wiggins will (probably) be in next season's lottery.  If Kobe's out for most or all of next season, Howard might leave.  If Howard leaves, they'll probably amnesty Gasol, trade Nash to a contender, and try to hit rock bottom next year.  It's not the most likely thing but it's not that far-fetched.

[gar]

Hard to feel sorry for the guy; but you could see in his interview he was devastated. Could be the end of a pretty amazing career. Very tough injury to come back from.

[nickagneta]

I hate Kobe, as a player and as a person. I still would never wish injury upon a person, even Kobe. But if this is the end of his career, then let me be the first to say, I am glad it happened to the Lakers and happy to see Kobe go.

Let me explain. Sooner or later Kobe was going to retire. I am glad it is sooner. So being happy he is retiring isn't being a dink because he's retiring from an injury, is it? That is if he retires.

My guess is Kobe runs to Europe and has all these "special" procedures and takes these "special" medications and he is back to start next year.

[indeedproceed]

Here's the interview after the game with Bryant:

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/bryant-discusses-injury-064300064.html

Chris Palmer had a very appropriate response.

Kobe with tears in his eyes. Never seen him so...human.

[CelticAZ]

I've suffered and lived through a complete rupture of my ACL (x2), and most recently, my left Achilles -- totally severed.

There is no way I can foresee Kobe returning to form after this injury.  Given his age, I also find it difficult to fathom a return to the sport; his mobility will be severely reduced as will his speed let alone his leaping ability.

Kobe is most likely done for good.  The Lakers can forget about any possible return for next year even if he can find some miraculous cure.

Is it possible that the NBA could see Paul Pierce, KG, and Kobe be out of basketball in the same year?

[Celtics4ever]

Good ridance he is a Laker!

[FLCeltsFan]

Like many have said.  I hate the Lakers.  I dislike Kobe as a person but respect what he does on the court.  I would never ever wish an injury on a player because in the end, it's just a game.   I'm praying for Kobe.

[GreenFaith1819]

Those saying that Kobe is done....I don't think he is, unless HE wants to be done.

Didn't Chauncey Billups suffer a complete tear? HE returned, didn't he? Chauncey's injured now, but it's completely unrelated to his Achilles.

Last I heard Chauncey would be available for Clip's playoff run.

I don't believe Kobe Bean Bryant's done unless HE wants to be done.

For me? I hope he's NOT done.

[Boris Badenov]

I've suffered and lived through a complete rupture of my ACL (x2), and most recently, my left Achilles -- totally severed.

There is no way I can foresee Kobe returning to form after this injury.  Given his age, I also find it difficult to fathom a return to the sport; his mobility will be severely reduced as will his speed let alone his leaping ability.

Kobe is most likely done for good.  The Lakers can forget about any possible return for next year even if he can find some miraculous cure.

Is it possible that the NBA could see Paul Pierce, KG, and Kobe be out of basketball in the same year?

If Kobe follows the same "treatment" regimen that allowed Ray Lewis to come back from a torn tricep in record time, he might be back.

I wouldn't under-estimate Kobe's will to pass Jordan et al., at least in terms of all-time scoring.

[CelticConcourse]

Such a tough loss for all NBA fans. get better soon, Kobe!

[GreenFaith1819]

Those saying that Kobe is done....I don't think he is, unless HE wants to be done.

Didn't Chauncey Billups suffer a complete tear? HE returned, didn't he? Chauncey's injured now, but it's completely unrelated to his Achilles.

Last I heard Chauncey would be available for Clip's playoff run.

I don't believe Kobe Bean Bryant's done unless HE wants to be done.

For me? I hope he's NOT done.

I fact-checked myself, here...this is the latest I could find on Chauncey:

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/28/sports/la-sp-clippers-fyi-20130329

So Billups has a groin pull right now...status uncertain. But if I were a betting man I'm sure we'll see him in Playoffs.

I do know that Chauncey returned this season, after his Achilles tear last season, and helped Clips win some games.

Again - I just don't think Kobe's done...I'd be shocked if he retires.

[CelticsFan9]

He's going in for surgery at 4 ET (pretty much right now).  Projected rehab time is 6-9 months.

Knowing Kobe, he'll be suiting up opening night.

[RMO]

He's going in for surgery at 4 ET (pretty much right now).  Projected rehab time is 6-9 months.

Knowing Kobe, he'll be suiting up opening night.

Question then will be if he can be the same player he was before the injury.

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

He's going in for surgery at 4 ET (pretty much right now).  Projected rehab time is 6-9 months.

Knowing Kobe, he'll be suiting up opening night.

Question then will be if he can be the same player he was before the injury.

I think he plays if they make the second round w/o him. If he thinks he's playing game 1 rnd 1, I say he has some kind of alien tech that we will never know about!