It’s official then: shooting guard Kobe Bryant is out for the remainder of the season – after missing all but six games for the purple and gold. The team announced the news to the media on Wednesday after extensive re-examination of the 35-year-old’s injured knee.  

Bryant, ever defiant, sounded optimistic when he addressed the media – or at least, he seemed keenly aware of what age and injuries have robbed players, even legends, before him. 

"I don't want to say I'll be back at the top of my game, because everybody is going to think I'm crazy and an old player not letting go, that sort of thing,” said Bryant. 

It has been almost three months since the 16-time All-Star took to the court, and in any case, his numbers have reflected a less-than-healthy Bryant. The sample size is admittedly small, but Bryant posted career-worst averages (per 36 minutes) in 3-point field goal percentage and turnover rate. His shooting numbers have been no less impressive, averaging fewer points (16.9) and shooting worse (42.5 pct) since his rookie season. 

Between Kobe’s season-ending injury and their recent franchise-worst 48-point home loss to their crosstown rival Clippers, a silver lining seems far from sight. At 22-42, Los Angeles are also tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. For Laker fans, misery has rarely been this consistent.

Read more at ESPN.com.  

 

 

Reach Executive Producer Andrew Seah here.