NBA: Kobe Bryant out for rest of season

Kobe Bryant has been ruled out of the rest of the NBA season.

Bryant, who is recovering from a fractured lateral tibial plateau of his left knee, was examined today by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo, who determined that Bryant’s injury has still not healed.

With this diagnosis, Bryant will not return to play this season.

Bryant also missed the first 19 games of the 2013-14 season because of a torn Achilles.

“With Kobe’s injury still not healed, the amount of time he’d need to rehab and be ready to play, and the amount of time remaining in the season, we’ve simply run out of time for him to return,” said Athletic Trainer Gary Vitti.

“However, Kobe will have the entire offseason to heal, rehab and prepare, and we look forward to him being 100% for the start of next season.”

Bryant will return to the Lakers next season after having signed a two-year contract extension last year.

“Obviously this has been a frustrating and disappointing season, but I appreciate all the support I’ve received from the Lakers and the fans, and look forward to being back and ready for the start of training camp,”said  Bryant.