I'll give this the finger
With the injury bug striking- at various points and to various degrees- Trevor Ariza, Andrew Bynum, Chris Mihm, Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic, Ronny Turiaf, Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic, folks were knocking on wood that Kobe Bryant had skated by so far with a pinkie injury that seemed reasonably small. Until now. The injury, aggravated again during last night's win over the Wolves, was diagnosed as a ligament tear, one his doc thinks requires surgery that would shelve Bryant for approximately six weeks. For now, The Mamba's opting to put off the knife and play through the ailment. Is that feasible, both on a practical level concerning Kobe's health and in getting production needed? We shall see. Bryant has proven to possess both a high threshold for pain and ability to perform while hurt, so if anybody's capable of pulling this off, it's him.
On a positive note, by adding Pau Gasol to a supporting cast that's already stepped up this season, a serious load can possibly be taken off Kobe's shoulders. Bynum's eventual return could even further help this goal. And it's been a season chock full of unpredictable turns (nearly all positive), so perhaps this is just another twist a rather pleasantly scenic road. But like always, never a dull moment with your Los Angeles Lakers.
At any rate, I don't expect to see Kobe balling in The Big Easy this weekend. Frankly, I'll be pretty annoyed if he does.
More to come as it develops. Official press release below.
AK
EL SEGUNDO- Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been diagnosed with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint of the small finger of this right hand, it was announced today. The damage occurred when Bryant dislocated the finger in the Lakers’ game at New Jersey on February 5, and was aggravated in last night’s game at Minnesota.
Bryant was examined today in Los Angeles by Dr. Steven Shin, a hand specialist with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Group.
Dr. Shin has recommended surgery to repair the ligament, which would cause Bryant to miss approximately six weeks.
“My current thinking is to give my finger some treatment and rest for a few days, and hope I can still continue to compete at a high level after that rest,” said Bryant. “I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer’s Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that myself and the Lakers’ medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis.”
Hey y'all. Mistake on my end erased the comments. I was trying to reformat the attached press release... and mucked it up a bit. So they're off in the wilderness of the Internet nether regions.
My bad.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 14, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I agree with Laker Kev,
I'd like to see Kobe take the weekend off, test the finger for a game or two, then make a decision. If it's clear he can't play at nearly his normal level, then go ahead and get the surgery. I don't want to see the rest of his career messed up because of this."
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | February 14, 2008 at 07:31 PM
lol BK.
Posted by: Faith | February 14, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Allan,
no offense man, but you gotta be delusional.
You do realize that having Lamar Odom as your #2 option is deadly right? Do you really think Odom could average 20ppg a game for 6 weeks? More like 15.
You do realize that while Pau Gasol is great, he doesnt know the O and he can't carry the Laker team by himself.
How are Fisher, Farmar, Luke, Vlad & Sasha gon' get open shots without Kobe? None of these guys are great penetrators or 1-on-1 players.
So what perimeter threat do we have without Kobe?
If he's the MVP, then if you lose him for 6 weeks then you lose a lotta games.
This is your schedule
02/19 (H) Hawks - Loss
02/20 (A) Suns - Loss
02/23 (A) Clippers - Loss
2/24 (A) Sonics - Win
02/26 (H) Trailblazers - Loss
02/28 (H) Heat -Win
02/29 (A) Trailblazers - Loss
03/02 (H) Mavs - Loss
03/04 (A) Kings - Loss
03/07 (H) Clippers - Win
03/09 (H) Kings - Win
03/11 (H) Raptors -Loss
03/14 (A) Hornets - Loss
03/16 (A) Rockets - Loss
03/18 (A) Mavs - Loss
03/20 (A) Jazz - Loss
03/21 (H) Sonics - Win
03/23 (H) Warriors - Loss
03/24 (A) Warriors - Loss
03/26 (H) Bobcats - Win
03/28 (H) Grizzlies - Win
So I got us down for 7 -13.
In your WILDEST dreams we could go .500 without Kobe.
Tell me you are not serious. Once again, I beg of you. Think before you post, please.
The Lakers without Kobe are Eastern Conference Trash.
Posted by: Korey | February 14, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Stop panicking people …
KB24 is the most competitive and complete baller there is. He apparently re-aggravated the finger in the second quarter and then proceeded to drop a variety of Js on Memphis – four point play anyone?
Look at it this way – this basically cements his MVP if he continues to do what he does sooo welll, on the lakers basketball network … Thanks Stu Lantz.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 14, 2008 at 07:35 PM
BK,
you actin man...
What you did was equivalent to choosing to wash-dishes when your friends come over to watch TV!
c'mon man!
Posted by: Korey | February 14, 2008 at 07:36 PM
The Lakers without Kobe are the heat (Dwade inluded). Ohh burn! haha, jk.
Posted by: Faith | February 14, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Kobe could be playing with his leg cut off he still woudn't get respect or an overrated "MVP" award
Posted by: bobie | February 14, 2008 at 07:42 PM
I think it would be very irresponsible of him to play ... he should have the sugery and come back in 6 weeks. That bring him back around the same time as Andrew ...
I seriously hope Phil will talk some sense into him ... all that talk about all the weapons they've got ... well now is the time to show he trusts his teammates ... if he delays this we might end up in a situation where we retain top position but then kobe doesn't have a hand no more ... it aint worth it ... did i mention this is retarded that he's trying to play
Posted by: Taliq | February 14, 2008 at 07:46 PM
well, i guess you're gonna be pretty annoyed, AK
Kobe plans to play in NBA All-Star Game despite injury
46 minutes ago
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) — Kobe Bryant will play Sunday in the National Basketball Association All-Star Game but the Los Angeles Lakers guard pulled out of a 3-pointer contest after bad news about an injured finger. ..."
i say if he shows his face, throws a lob, waves to the fans, kisses a baby, vows to stop all evil doers then after a few minutes, retreats to the bench... i'll be okay with that
it's an exhibition game. we should all relax
Posted by: CBuck | February 14, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Hahaha! I was wondering if I was in some kind of odd time-continuim.
Posted by: dave m | February 14, 2008 at 07:47 PM
maybe it wouldnt have been this bad if he'd sat out after injuring it initially .. i hate kobe 4 doing this to us ... i'll hate him more if he continues to play
Posted by: taliq | February 14, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Wow I just read a rumor talking about out the Laker's not done wheeling and dealing. This cat is throwin' out possibilities of a Lamar for Kirilenko trade.
Check it:
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10639860/
Posted by: Imanuel David | February 14, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I wouldn't put it past those bottom-feeding, rotten azz Funs to put a bounty on Kobe's finger. Guys like Raja Bell who will lie, cheat and flop to win will stop at nothing.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 14, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I'm as torn as that ligament.
We have something good going this year, but it really is next year that we are set up to dominate.
So, I'm thinking maybe he should just go get the surgery and preserve his career rather than chase the ring with such abandon this year.
But, on the other hand, we have something pretty cool about to gel this year, too. And it looks like we are immediately gelling while the other reloading teams might not be ready come playoff time.
Like I said, I'm as torn as that ligament on Kobe's pinky.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhachJob | February 14, 2008 at 07:54 PM
kobe the punk ... andrew the weak ... ariza d goat ... arghh y us
Posted by: taliq | February 14, 2008 at 07:54 PM
I think we're going to have trust Kobe and the Laker medical staff on this one. I don't want to see him jeopardize the rest of his career for the sake of this season. I'll have to trust Kobe to do the right thing.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 14, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Message to KOBE:
Get rest, don't play over the weekend and reevaluate your finger next week. We need you.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 14, 2008 at 08:03 PM
I would rather take a chance on missing the playoffs, and get the optimum treatment for Kobe's finger; I say have the surgery and let it heal.
As far as making the playoffs, 51 wins will accomplish that, if the winning percentages in the west stay at what they are now. To reach tha, the Lakers need to go 16-14 for the rest of the season.
OK, Sasha, you're playing for a big free agent contract now!
(Don't worry, BK, it sounded better the second time.)
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 14, 2008 at 08:03 PM
The press release looks nicer, though.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 14, 2008 at 08:04 PM
If they operated in the morning, he'd be back end of March with a wicked left handed jumper.
Hope he's right on this one.
As I said in my lost post, if he continues his level of play with a completely torn ligament, the MVP is a lock.
Posted by: Vman | February 14, 2008 at 08:05 PM
ex-
At least something good came out of it.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 14, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I agree with BronxLakerFan, look out for Raja or Nash to take a swipe at Kobe's injured finger!
Posted by: rdlee | February 14, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Yup, you can be sure the Bruce Bowens and Raja Bells are going to be grabbing and hitting that hand anytime the refs are not looking. They might even risk a foul when refs are looking if they can whack it hard enough.
Time for our political prisoner black belt from the Congo to put some fear.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 14, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Miss the playoffs, win the lottery, get OJ Mayo!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 14, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Get off Kobe's nutzos....
He was voted to the All-Star game by MIIIILLLIONS of fans...
This isnt caron butler opting out the game. This is Kobe Bryant.
Kobe is going to get in the game pass the ball a few times, play matador defense and then dimiss himself.
I wouldnt be surprised if he says he'll play the 4th quarter still ...lol...
Either way, why should you be mad that he plays in a All-Star game?
What a great way to test that hand and figure out a way to play effectively with the injury.
ITS BETTER THAN SCRIMMAGING AGAINST SASHA VUJACIC!
I hope he plays and shoots 20 times.
Posted by: Korey | February 14, 2008 at 08:10 PM
A complete tear on a single metacarpal ligament isn't going to ruin his career.
This is one of those things that's more painful than anything.
This is nowhere near an achilles heel, or ACL/MCL tear. Those are almost always close to career ending (coz you're never really the same).
Posted by: Faith | February 14, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Given the nature of this injury and the advice of his doctor, I think his risk of aggravating it even more by playing is high. I hope he reconsiders and has the surgery. I don't think he'll make it through the regular season, playoffs and Olympics without re-injuring it.
The other guys just got to step up.
Posted by: rdlee | February 14, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Keep in mind this was the same guy that played with a dislocated shoulder (with a torn ligament I believe) and wore a pad over it for the rest of the year.
That one needed a lot of work.
And he was still the Mamba.
Kobe'll be fine. Have some faith.
Posted by: Faith | February 14, 2008 at 08:27 PM
It's almost a certainty that teams will target Kobe's finger for punishment. Actually, it's a good strategy...giving a hard, clean foul. Life ain't fair and the NBA ain't fair either. Players sieze on each other's weaknesses all the time. Kobe needs to realize this and sit down with the front office and discuss this situation thoroughly. Something this big shouldn't be a unilateral decision.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 14, 2008 at 08:34 PM
didn't lebron take 3 games off earlier because he hurt his pinkie?
Posted by: mike | February 14, 2008 at 08:35 PM
A torn ligament in his finger and he still handles the rock and shoots a high percentage. Hes in a league of his own, no doubt. He has a good reason not to play in the allstar game. I know its the fans game but his health and career is more important at this point.
Posted by: 70slakerfan | February 14, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Hey guys,
I just realized this. Didn't Kwame Brown have the power to veto the trade? Imagine if that happened to L.A. If you think he got booed before!
Posted by: zen | February 14, 2008 at 08:42 PM
We have just become the LA Grizzlies....
Posted by: | February 14, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Hopefully Kobe knows what he is doing. It's a shame he can't compete in the 3 point comp. I was hoping he would smash Rip Hamilton after Rip claimed he had Kobe beat. Nonetheless, does anyone know whether or not he can do long term damage by playing through the injury? If its just a pain issue, i agree with him trying to play as 6 weeks is a long time to be away from meshing with a potential championship caliber team.
PS If Chunk from the Goonies tanned him self up raw and could crash the boards, DJ MBenga would be out of a job.
Out
Posted by: R-Type | February 14, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I love how the TNT announcers make it seem like he dislocated his ARM
Posted by: bobie | February 14, 2008 at 08:52 PM
I don't think there is a right answer to what he should do.If he gets the surgery there is a chance the Lakers could slip out of the playoffs without him.If they luckily sneak in they will then have to rebuild chemistry while trying to beat some very good teams without home court advantage.If he keeps playing he may struggle to play at the level the Lakers need him to play at and there is a chance the injury could get worse down the road where it gets to the point he can't play with it.So whatever he decides I'll understand either way.
Posted by: jf | February 14, 2008 at 08:54 PM
This is why Jason Kidd's trade is being held up, its karma for injuring Kobe's hand!!!
Man, that injury bug really bit us bad this year.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 14, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Here's my take about Kobe playing in the All-star game. The Lakers don't play until next Tuesday. He needs to see if he can still play with the bum finger and probably doesn't want to wait that long. If he can play on Sunday, then he'll know he's ready for the rest of the season... if he can't play on Sunday, then that's 2 days sooner for surgery.
Like someone mentioned... wave to the fans, drop a dime to Duncan and sit on the bench.
Posted by: brenarlo | February 14, 2008 at 08:59 PM
AK/BK
If Kobe does decide to have surgery on his pinky, what do you see our record being during the 6 weeks he's out?
Posted by: DavyJonze | February 14, 2008 at 08:59 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt==yhAr67dyBU8ZjEX
nvC.QfweLC8vLYF?slug=jy-bryantallstar021408&provoo&type
=lgns
The Above Yahoo link shows how arrogant the NBA can be. Basically they are insisting that Kobe play in the ASG.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 14, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Taliq...Moron
Korey...I agree, we will not win 50% without Kobe. I could see us going 8 and 12 or so.
If Kobe can play and if there is little risk to permanately damaging the finger,...I think he should give it a shot. If that was a torn ligament that knocked that 4 pointer down and that hasn't missed a free throw in the last week, it's worth a shot.
Kobe is singular in his ability to compartmentalize...pain, fans, court hearings, Shaq, etc... This injury knocks anyone else in the whole league out and they are under the knife an hour ago.
There is so much love and excitement in Laker Land right now. This sucks.
Maybe we can pickup T-Mac or Ginobli for Mbenga? Mitch? Are you that Good? JK
Posted by: Kobesbad | February 14, 2008 at 09:01 PM
yo everybody ...take a step back from the ledge! i think kobe and the staff have this under control..like honestly, even if kobe plays for a few games and has to get this surgery, this is a team..again, a team that willl win ballgames w/out kobe.. as much as it would suck to not have him for 6 wks..this is a playoff team...stupid example but the lakes went 2-0 at the beginning of last yr. without kobay in the lineup...like frankie goes to hollyood, lets relax
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ozc2vGfiRc
Posted by: chucky | February 14, 2008 at 09:03 PM
OUCH!!!!!
Posted by: culturist | February 14, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Kobe knows his own body and I give him props for his heart and determination to play. Only he knows his threshold for pain as well. Kobe doesn't want this season to be a what if? He's willing to go for broke whether they win it all or not. Kobe has to be applauded either way because he's laying it all on the line. This is Kobe's way of apologizing and thanking the FO coming through on surrounding him with better talent and to his young teammates for stepping up. We should support Kobe's decision and ride with him. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 14, 2008 at 09:09 PM
If Kobe can continue to produce for the remainder of the year and the Lakers win the Pacific division, then MVP should be pretty well deserved.
Hey man! Who else does everything, carries the team, and plays well through an injury requiring surgery, and is almost universally considered the best baller in the world? The Kobster, that's who.
Posted by: Craig W | February 14, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Nike.com article:
Play Through It.
“When you play basketball sometimes an injury will happen. It’s part of the game. You just have to play through it.”
- Kobe Bryant
It was February 5th, 2008. And it all happened so fast. Kobe saw an opportunity. He reached in for the steal on Jason Kidd. He pulled back gripping his right hand. Next thing you know a timeout was called and Kobe was headed for the locker room. When he returned a few minutes later his dislocated right pinky was taped to the next finger.
Kobe fans around the world feared the worst. But there was nothing to fear. Kobe is unstoppable
In his return to the game he made adjustments, relying on his supernatural passing abilities to make up for his struggling shot. And though he ended the game with six points, his lowest since 1998, he put up eight assists and led his team to a 105-90 victory over New Jersey.
“It’s pretty sore,” he said. “I just feel like I have four fingers. I just don’t feel it. It feels like it’s not there. It’s a weird feeling. During the game it felt like it wasn’t there. I would pick up the ball and I would have to check. It felt like (the ball) kept sliding out of my hand.”
X-rays after the game showed no severe damage so Kobe did what he always does. He played through it.
“I’ve had my nose broken three times. I’ve had my wrist broken, my hand broken. Sprained my ankles 30 or 40 times. And it just happens. You just have to be able to play through it. If you love the game that’s just something you to play through.”
His will to win and his love for the game wouldn’t allow him to be sidelined. The following night Kobe faced a hungry Atlanta squad but was held to just eleven points in their 95-98 loss. But recovery came quickly, as he racked up three straight 30+ point games in victories over Orlando, Miami and Charlotte.
And though his appearance in the 3-point shootout is still in question there’s no doubt Kobe is gearing up to put on a show as a starter for the big game Sunday."
Posted by: bobie | February 14, 2008 at 09:26 PM
"Conviction is what got you here"
Posted by: never | February 14, 2008 at 09:36 PM
On a lighter note...
...Believe it or not, I just ordered a custom swingman style purple Lakers MBENGA jersey. I bet I'll be the only guy in the WORLD with this jersey. How do you like them apples?
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 14, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Look this is simple. The question is what scenario (Kobe having the surgery or not) places the Lakers in the best possible position heading into the playoffs? That is the question. The answer is simple - Kobe, have the surgery! Here is why:
The only thing the Lakers risk by KB having the surgery is finishing with a lower seed. What would you rather have, a 100% healthy KB ready to go in the playoffs and win or have a higher seed and lose if KB is not himself? The only thing important at this point is making the playoffs, and the Lakers can do that w/o KB. As long as we make the playoffs, with a healthy KB, Gasol, Bynum, and Ariza ready to go, that places us in a position where we can beat anyone. It is important to have the surgery ASAP to give the team time to gel, not play "wait and see."
If KB opts not to have the surgery or delays it, we may gain a higher seed, but as mentioned above, KB may not be himself and that risk alone is not worth it. A KB who is not his entire self may make the difference in winning or losing a tough series. I will bet opposing players will take cheap shots and this alone could change a series since he will be susceptible to further injury. It is not worth the risk.
Posted by: Mike T | February 14, 2008 at 10:24 PM