Lakers star Kobe Bryant was re-examined by team doctors tonight, where it was determined that he would be out at least another three weeks before being re-evaluated.
Kobe out for 3 more weeks . . .
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) January 29, 2014
According to the Lakers, the knee had not yet healed and still had swelling, which led to an extended recovery. Bryant has only played in six games this year, with his last appearance coming in Memphis in mid-December. Since then, the Lakers have struggled massively, winning just four games.
Bryant’s spot in the All-Star game will now be vacated by him, and the commissioner will pick a replacement for his spot. Bryant’s return likely won’t come until even a couple weeks after his re-evaluation, putting him out until late February or early March.
The Lakers currently sit at 16-29 and are .5 games out of the worst record in the Western conference.
Dec 31, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (left) and forward Jordan Hill react in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center. The Bucks defeated the Lakers 94-79. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports