The Lakers believe that Kobe Bryant suffered a torn left Achilles in Friday's game against the Warriors.
The team will conduct an MRI to confirm the diagnosis, but revealing that information so soon doesn't bode well for Bryant. Kobe said he felt his Achilles tear and there was "nothing there," then limped back to the locker room under his own power. This could be a horrible way to end his season and he went down fighting hard all the way to the bitter end after sustaining injuries to both of his knees during this game, as well. The Black Mamba was crying while talking to reporters and he put his heart and soul into this tumultuous season for the Lakers. Jodie Meeks would likely start in Kobe's place for the rest of the season.
Kobe Bryant's torn left Achilles is expected to be a complete tear of the tendon, according to Kevin Ding of the Orange Country Register.
It's painful to hear, but it makes sense since Kobe said he could feel that his Achilles wasn't attached to his heel. He will have an MRI on Saturday and there's little doubt that it will confirm this initial diagnosis. Rehabs on Achilles tears tend to be 6-8 months, so there's still a chance he can return by the beginning of next season. We'll be watching his rehab very closely every step of the way and we're not counting him out to be a major force in the 2013-2014 season.
