The Lakers lost in New Orleans Wednesday night in more ways than one. Besides losing the game, the Lakers also lost Kobe Bryant.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Kobe Bryant attacked the rim for a two-handed dunk and came away looking injured. Bryant left the game, but checked back in with five minutes left in the game. He was clearly favoring his right shoulder.
It was easy to see something was incredibly wrong with Kobe and Lakers Coach Byron Scott said, “Obviously after I saw that everything he did was with the left hand, I knew then, let’s get him out of there.”
According to ESPN.com, Kobe Bryant suffered a torn rotator cuff and will likely be out for the remainder of the season.
Bryant tweeted this afternoon about his injury:
This is what happens when I pass too much! #ShoulderShock thank u all for ur thoughts and prayers #team @DrinkBODYARMOR @Lakers #oneluv
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 23, 2015
Kobe Bryant, who was named an NBA All Star starter last night has continued to downplay his injury by saying, “I’ve played on a torn labrum before… I’m not too concerned about it.”
If the Lakers are smart they will sit Kobe for the rest of the season. Stats don’t lie. Without Kobe the Lakers’ net rating is +11.1. With Kobe on the floor the Lakers have a net rating of -13.3.
My motto for the Lakers for the rest of the season: “Here’s the deal, lose for Jahlil.”
