EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Kobe Bryant is having surgery today on his torn Achilles tendon, ending the season for the Los Angeles Lakers star.
Teammates and coaches say Bryant is determined to return quickly from the biggest injury of his career.
General manager Mitch Kupchak thinks it’s realistic the 34-year-old guard could be ready for next season’s opener in the fall. Bryant was hurt late in the Lakers’ 118-116 win over Golden State on Friday night. Lakers trainer Gary Vitti says Bryant’s tendon was completely torn.
Bryant stayed in the game to make two free throws. Kupchak says the Lakers haven’t considered parting ways with Bryant, who will make nearly $30.5 million next year.
