Kobe Bryant Out Three Weeks Or More

 

Kobe Bryant will be re-evaluated in three weeks after an exam on Friday showed that Kobe still has soreness and swelling in his knee. He’s been out since December after fracturing the lateral tibial plateau, and his return this season in serious doubt. From ESPNLA.com:

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was examined by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo on Friday, and it was determined the 18-year veteran will be sidelined another three weeks before being re-evaluated because of continued pain, swelling and soreness in his injured left knee.

Bryant, 35, has been sidelined since Dec. 17 with a fracture of the lateral tibial plateau in the knee.

He is averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 42.5 percent shooting in six games this season, but has missed the Lakers’ last 30 games. He missed the Lakers’ first 19 games this season because of a torn Achilles in his left leg.

Missing three more weeks before another evaluation brings the calendar to March 14, at which point there will be only 17 games left in the regular season for the Lakers. And even if Bryant is cleared for contact drills at that point, he would assuredly need some additional practice time before he could make a return.