Kobe Bryant injures Achilles, done for the season; has emotional postgame interview [video]

In Kobe Bryant’s 17th season in the NBA. He was doing things on the court that seemed impossible. Off the court the Lakers as a franchise have been dealing with one of their most trying seasons probably since 1991 when Magic Johnson announced he was HIV positive. Nobody believed there was anything that could happen to make this season worst. Kobe was playing heavy minutes, the most of his career, logging close to 45 minutes a game at 34 years old. Trying to will the Lakers to the playoffs.

Friday night, April 12th 2013, as the Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors, Kobe Bryant went down with an injury that not only puts him out this year, it could potentially me the end of his career. An MRI will be done Saturday but by all accounts, Kobe has completely torn his Achilles Tendon. Recovery time is estimated to be between six months and a year.

This is the play where the injury happened.

Following the game, the Black Mamba came out and addressed the media while on crutches. Tears clearly in his eyes. Kobe being Kobe says there is absolutely no way this is the last we’ve seen of him.

I have to be honest, I didn’t watch this interview. If you’ve been a frequent visitor to this site, You know that Kobe is my favorite basketball player. The idea that it could possibly end this way… Doesn’t even register.

Kobe Bryant’s final 2012-13 per-game statistics: 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists.

videos via CJZero