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Not that it was easy, but in their first game in awhile without Kobe Bryant in the lineup the Lakers defeated San Antonio on Sunday. The game was even at the half and through three quarters, but the Lakers pulled it out in the fourth to win 91-86. Dwight Howard led the Lakers with 26 points and also had 17 rebounds. Steve Blake hit 4 of 8 three-point attempts and finished with 23 points. The Lakers need only to win their season finale on Wednesday against Houston or for Utah to lose one its final two games to grab the final playoff spot in the NBA West. The Lakers have won seven of their last eight.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache told the LA Times that Bryant's surgery on Saturday went well and that he should be able to play next season. “I can point to all of the scientific aspects of the repair, but just as important if not more important is, who is that Achilles attached to?” said ElAttrache. “In this situation, it’s attached to Kobe Bryant, who has figured out a way to get through some injuries that would ordinarily be career-threatening. Some of the things he’s had go on with him have ended guys’ careers in the NBA."
Bryant suffered a grade 3 rupture of the Achilles tendon in Friday night's game at Staples Center, and overnight posted a Facebook screed that went sort of viral. "This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage."
