According multiple NBA league sources, ESPN analyst Chris Broussard is reporting Kobe Bryant will officially miss the rest of the 2014 season. The 35-year-old has only played 6 games this year after his initial Achilles tear in his left leg suffered during the 2013 season; and upon his return, he fractured a lateral tibial plateau for the same knee.
During November, Bryant agreed to a two-year / $48.5 million, which Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak felt was appropriate for his contributions to the team over 18 years. The Lakers have had one of their more unsuccessful seasons in franchise history, currently tied with Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings for the worst record in the Western Conference, at 22-42.
While the team hasn’t been in full tank mode due to a limited roster and questionable coaching decisions with Pau Gasol, the Lakers have 5 more weeks left of NBA play before they start looking ahead for the incoming NBA Draft, the future of Steve Nash’s contract and most of all, free agency. Check after the jump for more on the story.
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