ESPN - Kobe has ailing sprained foot after playing 43 mins

[Xpressure]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/stor ... s-fall-off

Lakers Coach: Ailing Kobe Bryant Overused

LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 40 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 105-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, but the scoring outburst might have come at a cost.

Bryant said he was playing on one leg and told reporters in the locker room after the game that he felt like his right foot was "about to fall off" during the game.

Bryant missed a week's worth of practice and the final two preseason games while he recovered from a right foot injury that Bryant characterized as an ankle contusion that also irritated the tendon that runs along the bottom of his foot.

The 17-year veteran asked a locker room attendant to have longtime Lakers trainer Gary Vitti to get his walking boot ready for him so he could wear it when he left the arena.

Compounding things was the fact that Bryant played a game-high 43 minutes.

Mike Brown admitted to overusing the 34-year-old Bryant.

"We need a win, obviously. I'm not trying to fool anybody here. We do need a win. You hope we could have gotten one tonight," Brown said. "That's part of why (Bryant) played the minutes that he played, which was too many."

[Xpressure]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

[MrCheerios]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

With Nash out and Dwight in constantly in foul trouble, where would the star power come from? Kobe killing it was the only reason why we weren't blown out.

[Optms]

If only playing an already ailing Kobe for 43 minutes could guarantee a win, if only.

I wouldn't mind giving Kobe the night off against Detroit. The long term health of our guys is more important than one meaningless regular season game in November. Brown too would understand that if he weren't buckling to the pressures of a regular season win.

[Xpressure]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

With Nash out and Dwight in constantly in foul trouble, where would the star power come from? Kobe killing it was the only reason why we weren't blown out.

Brown used a lineup of Hill, Jamison, MWP, Blake, Morris on the floor while he rested Kobe for those other 5 mins.

That lineup basically evened out all the star killing Kobe did in the game.

[Stebo_SSK]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

In doing so the Lakers would have for sure lost that game. Kobe kept them in the game for what it was worth.

[Xpressure]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

In doing so the Lakers would have for sure lost that game. Kobe kept them in the game for what it was worth.

Coach was going all in, putting his superstar's health on the line in just the 3rd game of the regular season.

Sad part was that the game wasn't even close.

Sadder part was that while Kobe was resting, Morris and Blake were the ones taking over Kobe's spot on the floor.

[Luxury]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

In doing so the Lakers would have for sure lost that game. Kobe kept them in the game for what it was worth.

Kept them in a losing game, sure. But now he's gonna be out, a few games. Obviously its not a good trade off.

Mike Brown is ruining this team.

[EnigmaticProblem]

Are we sure he's going to miss a few games?

[desertlakerfan]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

With Nash out and Dwight in constantly in foul trouble, where would the star power come from? Kobe killing it was the only reason why we weren't blown out.

The season isn't won or lost in one game, your star players health however can be lost for the season from overworking him one game. Brown is coaching to keep his job, at the expense of our aging stars health. Not a good thing at all.

[EnigmaticProblem]

This is one thing that Phil did very well: manage Kobe's minutes.

Though I'm not completely against Brown, and believe we have some major holes in our roster, I would've loved to have had Adelman. I wouldn't mind giving Budenholzer a shot once Kobe retires.

[Asianiac_24]

The starters' average minutes are just ridiculous at this point. MB needs to sort out his rotations or our starters will be burnt out by season end.

[The Prodigy]

I'd rather go 0 and whatever until Kobe's fully healed than compromising his health for the long-term. This is what happens when coaches feel the pressure though. They start coaching to keep their jobs and stop giving a crap about long-term success.

[LateRoundFlyer]

Jodie Meeks got zero playing time last night. He could have relieved Kobe a few mins for sure.

With Nash out and Dwight in constantly in foul trouble, where would the star power come from? Kobe killing it was the only reason why we weren't blown out.

I've said it before, but this is indefensible. Simply indefensible. You don't do this so soon in the regular season even if your star is still young like LeBron. Especially not against a playoff contender like the Clippers. Know when to cut your losses and save your starters' legs.

[laduane1]

Now the trade of Chris Paul to the Lakers that was shot down is really showing. Yes we would not have Pau, but we would have a great young all star pg. Except a 38 year old one and a bunch of players who should not be on the team.

[DEEP3CL]

Kobe isn't missing any games.

[Luxury]

Kobe isn't missing any games.

Yeah he totally shouldn't sit out games -- even if he indicated his foot's about to fall off.

This isn't like a hand injury in which he can adjust his shot or type of shots, and keep playing. Its his foot, and its obviously worsening as it went from a sore (bruise) to a sprain. And by your logic he should keep playing? Smh

Well if he does, don't be surprised if the injury worsens or if he suffers a different leg injury in lieu of compensating for the injured foot.

[leeprettyp]

Kobe isn't missing any games.

smh 17years of this guy and people refuse to understand that. If he can walk and run he's gonna play.

[Luxury]

Kobe isn't missing any games.

smh 17years of this guy and people refuse to understand that. If he can walk and run he's gonna play.

Said the same thing last week about opening night to co-workers and friends, and look what happened.

I hoop in numerous leagues and tournaments year-round, and there's a big difference between playing through injuries and playing through injuries that are worsening.

We all know he's the toughest guy that can play through injuries, but when something worsens -- its your body telling you that something's not holding up.

But hey you guys are the experts.

[Stebo_SSK]

Kobe isn't missing any games.

Yeah he totally shouldn't sit out games -- even if he indicated his foot's about to fall off.

This isn't like a hand injury in which he can adjust his shot or type of shots, and keep playing. Its his foot, and its obviously worsening as it went from a sore (bruise) to a sprain. And by your logic he should keep playing? Smh

Well if he does, don't be surprised if the injury worsens or if he suffers a different leg injury in lieu of compensating for the injured foot.

From my understanding the report is that he cant worsen the injury by playing. He's gonna heal with time.