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Lakers confirm Kobe Bryant will not return this season

Justin Ford / USA Today Sports

Kobe Bryant is out for the season.

The news, which had been expected at least as early as Jan. 28 when Bryant's return timeline was first pushed back, was confirmed by the Los Angeles Lakers in a press release on Wednesday.

From the release:

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who is recovering from a fractured lateral tibial plateau of his left knee, was examined today by team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo, who determined that Bryant’s injury has still not healed. With this diagnosis, Bryant will not return to play this season, it was announced today by the team.

Lakers trainer Gary Vitti highlighted a desire to give Bryant sufficient time to heal and rehab as a driving force behind the decision, revealing that Bryant's fractured left knee is still not healed.

"We've simply run out of time for him to return," Vitti said.

Bryant commented as well, expressing understandable frustration but trying to put a positive spin on things (revenge is sweet and quick, after all):

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.

So the focus now shifts to next season, when the Lakers will look to rebound from a disastrous 2013-14. Bryant is armed with a two-year, $48.5 million extension that begins next year, one of the few commitments the Lakers have on the books.

Here's hoping the Black Mamba can make a full recovery, because the league is a lot more fun with him on the court rather than on the sidelines.

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