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Sports

Lakers' Bryant reportedly tears Achilles

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reportedly tore his Achilles tendon in Friday's victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Bryant left the contest late in the fourth quarter after driving to the hoop and losing his footing before falling to the ground. Although he battled previously throughout the second half to stay in the contest, the final play proved to be too much.

Bryant's season is likely over pending an MRI scheduled for Saturday.

"I was just hoping it wasn't what I thought it was," an emotional Bryant said after the game. "Just tried to walk it off ... I made a move I've made a million times, and (the Achilles) just popped."

The team's public relations department said on Twitter that Bryant suffered a probable torn Achilles and will have an MRI on Saturday to confirm the injury.

The injury comes during Los Angeles' critical playoff push in which the team currently remains one game ahead of Utah for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Bryant finished the game with 34 points, however, early in the second half, the All-Star appeared to hurt his leg twice before finally exiting the contest.

Both times Bryant stayed in the contest in visible pain, but with 3:06 left in the fourth, he left the court and headed into the locker room after making two free throws to tie the contest.

"I can't walk," Bryant added as he held back tears. "I tried to maybe put pressure on my heel, but there was nothing there."

Los Angeles has two games remaining at home versus San Antonio on Sunday and against Houston on Wednesday.

Bryant added of his team moving forward without him, "Just continue to play. They've been dealing with injuries all year ... I've never had to deal with something like this. It's a new experience for me."

After the game, even his teammates understood the potential consequences of the injury.

"That's just kind of how this season's gone," said teammate Steve Blake. "Just sad to see another friend, teammate go down."