Kobe says goodbye to NBA 2013-2014 season

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant speaks during a press conference before the 2014 NBA All-Star Game at the Smoothie King Center. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - Five-time NBA title holder Kobe Bryant would miss all of the rest games in 2013-2014 season due to the left knee injury, announced the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

Bryant injured his lateral tibial plateau in his left knee on Dec. 17 last year during the Lakers' 96-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. He had been expected to miss six weeks, but after a re-examination Feb. 21 his doctor found Bryant would need three more weeks. The 18-year veteran had another re-exam on Monday, only to find his left knee still hadn't been fully healed.

"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 in the news release.

Bryant had been kept away from the court for as many as 240 days last year because of his left ankle injury, and he missed the first 19 games at the beginning of the 2013-2014 season. He came back on Dec. 9, but the left knee injury forced him out again after six games. The 35-year-old had averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the Lakers in that six games.

The Lakers inked a two-year, 48.5 million dollars contract with Bryant last November.
According to the current contract, which would expire until the end of this season, the Lakers had to pay Bryant's entire 30.453 million salary for the 2013-14 season.

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