As expected for quite some time now, Kobe Bryant was ruled out for the rest of the season, due to his fractured knee.
Lakers trainer Gary Vitti has said he expects Bryant to return to 100 percent, and Bryant himself has already commented on missing the rest of the season.
Bryant is also one of the most well-respected players in the league, so many players will be asked about his injury and recovery. Clippers point guard Chris Paul spoke to ESPN’s Arash Markazi about what he expects from Bryant:
CP3: "Kobe being a friend of mine I hate to see that but the one thing I know about him is that he’s already getting ready for next season."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 12, 2014
Bryant’s determination and work ethic is well-known throughout the league. Paul is also known as a fierce competitor so there is a mutual respect between the two.
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Even though the Clippers have turned into a rival for the Lakers, Paul is still aware of the impact that Bryant has on the entire NBA:
CP3: "It hasn’t been the same without Kobe because of what he means not only to the Lakers franchise but what he means to this league."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) March 12, 2014
No one doubts that Bryant will work harder than anyone to get back to where he needs to be for next season. He is looking to exact revenge on the entire NBA when he returns.
That fact is not lost on anyone, including his biggest rivals.
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NEW: Kobe Bryant Press Conference After Being Out For The Rest Of The Season
