Gary Vitti confirms ruptured achilles, Kobe out 6-9 months

[QUOTE]Ramona Shelburne ‏@ramonashelburne 47m
Kobe Bryant's longtime trainer Tim Grover tells ESPNLA: "If he's in that frame of mind, it's going to get done."

Grover: "This is going to be a mental battle of whether he wants to go through this or he doesn't want to go through this."

Grover on Kobe: "If he gets in that single mind and says, ''I want to do this. I'm going to do this, then we've won the battle.' "

Grover on Kobe: "I'd be shocked if the minutes had anything to do with it. An Achilles can happen stepping off a sidewalk.

Grover: "This is not Kobe's fault, because he pushed himself. This is not coaches' fault. An Achilles just happens."

Grover: "I can't see him not wanting to do this and to come back as Kobe Bryant, the way we know Kobe."


via Los Angeles Lakers

Athletic trainer Gary Vitti:

[QUOTE=kuniva_dAMiGhTy]Good point.

The thing is, I don't think I would even classify myself as a 'hater'. Ya, sure..I cant stand some aspects of Kobe's personality. The guy can be a HUGE twit, but I don't "hate" him....never did.[/QUOTE]

It's just a word. In fact, I don't 'hate' anybody. Not even people I know personally. I don't know these players. I'm not on the same continent, even. How could I hate them? I just dislike some of them.

But I learned not to talk much about the guys I dislike. Few people could guess which NBA players I don't like, despite my rather long posting career on this site.

[QUOTE=NoGunzJustSkillz]stole those from gts.[/QUOTE]

Isn't Grover the same guy that guaranteed T-Mac would be back at his prime level after he trained him following his micro-fracture surgery?

[QUOTE=Euroleague]Isn't Grover the same guy that guaranteed T-Mac would be back at his prime level after he trained him following his micro-fracture surgery?[/QUOTE]
T-Mac didn't look too bad when the Pistons gave him mins. What is he up to now-a-days anyways?

[QUOTE=NoGunzJustSkillz]T-Mac didn't look too bad when the Pistons gave him mins. What is he up to now-a-days anyways?[/QUOTE]

But was he the same as "prime T-Mac"? He's a free agent.

[QUOTE=Euroleague]Isn't Grover the same guy that guaranteed T-Mac would be back at his prime level after he trained him following his micro-fracture surgery?[/QUOTE]

To be fair, I think the job of a trainer comes with the unwritten understanding that you have to be as positive and optimistic as possible for your client, the fan base, etc. What do you expect him to say "That dude is done, stick a fork in him. Might as well have the funeral now"?

Ended the season with: 27 PPG, 6 APG, 6 RPG, on 46.4% FG.

Leads the league in points scored in the 4th quarter.

[QUOTE=BlackVVaves]Ended the season with: 27 PPG, 6 APG, 6 RPG, on 46.4% FG.
Leads the league in points scored in the 4th quarter.[/QUOTE]


To me, he went out on top of his game. Even if he won't play a single meaningful minute the rest of his life, I won't feel bad for him at all. He had a long and successful career, he is a top 10 player of all time. He has a family, enough money and looks perfectly healthy (the foot notwitstanding, pun not intended).

Most people say how sorry they feel for him... well, I'm his fan and I don't feel sorry one bit. I feel sorry for myself, because I can't watch him play. But for him? No, he'll be fine.

He went out on top, not having become a shell of his former self.

So Kobe going miss the last two games of this season and make come back by Christmas. Not bad.

[QUOTE=BlackVVaves]Ended the season with: 27 PPG, 6 APG, 6 RPG, on 46.4% FG.

Leads the league in points scored in the 4th quarter.[/QUOTE]
:applause:

[QUOTE=elementally morale]To me, he went out on top of his game. Even if he won't play a single meaningful minute the rest of his life, I won't feel bad for him at all. He had a long and successful career, he is a top 10 player of all time. He has a family, enough money and looks perfectly healthy (the foot notwitstanding, pun not intended).

Most people say how sorry they feel for him... well, I'm his fan and I don't feel sorry one bit. I feel sorry for myself, because I can't watch him play. But for him? No, he'll be fine.

He went out on top, not having become a shell of his former self.[/QUOTE]

Still sad to see though. He's also has the highest PPG for anyone in their 17 season, 4 points higher than Kareem's 23 per.

Impressive for someone with 17 years of wear and tear on those knees, but to me it's his 6 rebounds per game playing next to a prolific rebounder in Dwight, and 6 assists per game that really illustrates his ability this season.

Let's say July 1st comes, almost 3 months into his rehab, and the prognosis is Kobe wont be available until January. Do you think the Lakers should amnesty Kobe in July before the deadline to use the amnesty provision, and look to re-sign him the following off-season? Allow him to rehab, give his possible last year a real strong shot, and take $30 Million off the cap (would the Lakers find themselves with some freed cap space with this move?)?

[QUOTE=BlackVVaves]Let's say July 1st comes, almost 3 months into his rehab, and the prognosis is Kobe wont be available until January. Do you think the Lakers should amnesty Kobe in July before the deadline to use the amnesty provision, and look to re-sign him the following off-season? Allow him to rehab, give his possible last year a real strong shot, and take $30 Million off the cap (would the Lakers find themselves with some freed cap space with this move?)?[/QUOTE]

Yes.
In fact, if I was Kobe I'd say let's forget about next season altogether. Here is my 30 million, I kinda give it back (amnesty). Sign me for a year and 10 million for the 2014-2015 season, we shall see and take it from there.

Weeks before the injury I was of the opinion he should miss a season or two. He has played way too much, and I thought something bad would happen. Not physically though, I was afraid of a total mental breakdown. Resting your body and especially your nervous system is important. Some of the time, less is more.

Knowing Kobe, I think he will try coming back next year though and he won't get amnestied. On the one hand it is the competitive thing to do, on the other hand I'd be glad if he waited 18 months.

If Howard walks, amnesty Pau & commence tank mode.

[QUOTE=elementally morale]Yes.
In fact, if I was Kobe I'd say let's forget about next season altogether. Here is my 30 million, I kinda give it back (amnesty). Sign me for a year and 10 million for the 2014-2015 season, we shall see and take it from there.

Weeks before the injury I was of the opinion he should miss a season or two. He has played way too much, and I thought something bad would happen. Not physically though, I was afraid of a total mental breakdown. Resting your body and especially your nervous system is important. Some of the time, less is more.

Knowing Kobe, I think he will try coming back next year though and he won't get amnestied. On the one hand it is the competitive thing to do, on the other hand I'd be glad if he waited 18 months.[/QUOTE]
I think it really depends what Dwight does now, but all other things aside, Kobe needs to forget about next season all together imo.

[QUOTE=elementally morale]Yes.
In fact, if I was Kobe I'd say let's forget about next season altogether. Here is my 30 million, I kinda give it back (amnesty). Sign me for a year and 10 million for the 2014-2015 season, we shall see and take it from there.

Weeks before the injury I was of the opinion he should miss a season or two. He has played way too much, and I thought something bad would happen. Not physically though, I was afraid of a total mental breakdown. Resting your body and especially your nervous system is important. Some of the time, less is more.

Knowing Kobe, I think he will try coming back next year though and he won't get amnestied. On the one hand it is the competitive thing to do, on the other hand I'd be glad if he waited 18 months.[/QUOTE]

Except OOPS HERE COME THE BOBCATS AND SIGN HIM :roll:

He'll be picked up before he can get back on L.A.

[QUOTE=AirTupac]Except OOPS HERE COME THE BOBCATS AND SIGN HIM :roll:
He'll be picked up before he can get back on L.A.[/QUOTE]

Against his will? Doubt it. He is a Laker for life. Won't play anywhere else, if at all.

[QUOTE=elementally morale]Against his will? Doubt it. He is a Laker for life. Won't play anywhere else, if at all.[/QUOTE]
Stop. He's flirted playing elsewhere multiple times in his career.

[QUOTE=SamuraiSWISH]Stop. He's flirted playing elsewhere multiple times in his career.[/QUOTE]
Doesnt make sense for him to play elsewhere. If so, he would just retire.

[QUOTE=kuniva_dAMiGhTy]I hope Kobe will be back, but, I truly fear that his days of being a top tier superstar may be over.



I appreciate that, Swish. :cheers:

About "Knowitawl"- haven't seen anything from him that would indicate psychotic behavior, but I've heard stories. Posters that knew him from the EZ boards swear this dude was/is bat-shit insane. :lol[/QUOTE]

I remember him from the other boards. The guy has been ranting about Kobe for 10 years! 10 years! He's like a veteran troll plus he just straight up disappeared when the Lakers won in 09. But if Knoeitawl can see a kindred spirit in Kobe then maybe there's hope for Israel and Palestine after all

[QUOTE=SamuraiSWISH]Stop. He's flirted playing elsewhere multiple times in his career.[/QUOTE]

He was much younger then. We all change as we get older. At 35 he is not going anywhere else, nor will he be traded. Him leaving LA is a lose-lose for both sides involved. It won't happen.

[QUOTE=elementally morale]He was much younger then.[/quote]
@ 25 in 2004 (flirted with LA Clippers, Chicago Bulls and one other team)
@ 29 in 2007 (basically demanding to be traded to Chicago)

[QUOTE=elementally morale]We all change as we get older.[/quote]
No shit. Why do you always insist on talking on the boards like other people don't understand life? You're not our pops, stop talking down to us.

[QUOTE=elementally morale]At 35 he is not going anywhere else, nor will he be traded. Him leaving LA is a lose-lose for both sides involved. It won't happen.[/QUOTE]
He's not going anywhere because he's 35 and almost done, exactly. It wouldn't make sense for him to leave. I'm question your stupid comment that Kobe was a loyal born and bred Laker for life.

He's flirted with leaving multiple times. He was for sure going elsewhere if LA resigned Shaq at the height of their feud. Like it was a done deal he'd be gone. He was going to go to the rival LA Clippers. Or Chicago. Even scouted schools for his kids in the area. He likes the location of LA. That's all.

[QUOTE=Ronaldinho]Doesnt make sense for him to play elsewhere. If so, he would just retire.[/QUOTE]

He is like 700 points short of MJ's total. No way he retires..

He wants that sixth title, the Lakers and Kobe wins if they went the amnesty route.

I know I'm biased as a Knicks fan, but i could definitely see him coming to NY if they actually did the amnesty.

For one he has a mutal respect and great friendship with Melo.

Lol at this point of his career he's going nowhere. LA Lakers it is.

[QUOTE=AirTupac]Except OOPS HERE COME THE BOBCATS AND SIGN HIM :roll:

He'll be picked up before he can get back on L.A.[/QUOTE]

pretty much. I cant see any team being a saving grace to LA by not picking up kobe off amnesty. Even if he made threats of retiring like chauncy did.

[QUOTE=SamuraiSWISH]@ 25 in 2004 (flirted with LA Clippers, Chicago Bulls and one other team)
@ 29 in 2007 (basically demanding to be traded to Chicago)


No shit. Why do you always insist on talking on the boards like other people don't understand life? You're not our pops, stop talking down to us.


He's not going anywhere because he's 35 and almost done, exactly. It wouldn't make sense for him to leave. I'm question your stupid comment that Kobe was a loyal born and bred Laker for life.

He's flirted with leaving multiple times. He was for sure going elsewhere if LA resigned Shaq at the height of their feud. Like it was a done deal he'd be gone. He was going to go to the rival LA Clippers. Or Chicago. Even scouted schools for his kids in the area. He likes the location of LA. That's all.[/QUOTE]

Laker for life means he will finish his career playing for one franchise. Correct?

So, how is elementary wrong for saying he's a "Laker for life"? Where does elementary say he's a "loyal born and bred Laker for life"?

Oh, okay.

[QUOTE]I'm question your stupid comment that Kobe was a loyal born and bred Laker for life.[/QUOTE]

I didn't say he was loyal. I said he is a Laker for life and he won't leave now, nor will be traded. It just doesn't make sense for either side.


[QUOTE]He's flirted with leaving multiple times. He was for sure going elsewhere if LA resigned Shaq at the height of their feud. [/QUOTE]

Absolutely. But that was then and we are in the here and now.

[QUOTE]
No shit. Why do you always insist on talking on the boards like other people don't understand life? You're not our pops, stop talking down to us.[/QUOTE]

Everyone understands real life, regardless of age, experience and IQ. Even you do. You understand as much as you can -- it is always true for everyone involved. Bringing a different perspective isn't necessarily talking down to anyone. Albeit someone acting as impatient and ignorant as you just have deserves to be talked down to.

No way Bean is done, but I'm not totally convinced Kobe will be a Laker when he returns... :cry:

The other thing is, I know he'll have to take a serious paycut, but will Kobe's ego get in the way of accepting a 5 mil a year contract? He might even get offered less, I'm not totally positive as that's quite a ways away.

Everyone needs to remember Kobe is on the wrong side of 34 years old.

He won't heal like he used to. His recovery time is going to be different than a young 24 year old.

[QUOTE=ProfessorMurder]Rose hasn't been out 12 months.



Yeah guys come back from torn acls in 2 months all the time.[/QUOTE]

Rose is going to be out 20+ months when it's all said and done.

[QUOTE=elementally morale]
Absolutely. But that was then and we are in the here and now. [/QUOTE]

Not just then.

He also was going to leave to Chicago when he demanded a trade. If not for the Grizzlies donation (Kobe's words) of Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown..... he would have left.

[QUOTE=3LiftHeatCurse]Not just then.

He also was going to leave to Chicago when he demanded a trade. If not for the Grizzlies donation (Kobe's words) of Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown..... he would have left.[/QUOTE]

Being 29 and having won only as a 2nd banana to Shaq is not the same as being 35 and flirting with greatest Laker of all time with two more championships as the undisputed leader. He is not going anywhere, it's rather obvious.

Watch this:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXkehOjNBtE[/url]

[QUOTE=Kingwillball]I have paid homage to kobe in this and other threads i was responding to the doomsday idiot who said now nba is unwatchable and know-body will care. Lebron is face of the league and heat are like the Bulls of old so nba will be in good hands.[/QUOTE]

if lebron is the face. We wouldnt have a lockout

[QUOTE=elementally morale]Being 29 and having won only as a 2nd banana to Shaq is not the same as being 35 and flirting with greatest Laker of all time with two more championships as the undisputed leader. He is not going anywhere, it's rather obvious.

Watch this:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXkehOjNBtE[/url][/QUOTE]

This. He's going no where to be honest

[QUOTE=3LiftHeatCurse]Not just then.

He also was going to leave to Chicago when he demanded a trade. If not for the Grizzlies donation (Kobe's words) of Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown..... he would have left.[/QUOTE]

not exactly true. Mitch K took kobe off the trading block right before the beginning of the season. From november to january, bynum was finally showing his potentiail, averaging something around 20/10 the past 5+ games before going down at memphis with his first major knee injury. At that time, the lakers were already or fighting for first place (cant remember correctly) It was only after that injury, that the pau trade was made. Point of this rambling, it looked like kobe was happy and watned to stay in LA before pau came, thanks to a progressively developing bynum.

[QUOTE=Levity]not exactly true. Mitch K took kobe off the trading block right before the beginning of the season.[/quote]
To not disrupt team chemistry, the way say the Nuggets let the Melo fiasco take precedence over their entire season. Mitch was smart for that, however it doesn't mean Kobe wasn't content with where the Lakers were headed. Getting Gasol really changed the dynamic.

Kobe isn't going anywhere, but the point still stands. He pouted and or threatened to leave the Lakers at least a few times. This isn't a Jordan situation where Kobe has major beef with the front office, and vice a versa and he will be forced to go elsewhere to finish his career on his own terms. The Lakers will make a place for Kobe to stay in house, even when he comes back from this achilles injury, even if he's a shell of the player he used to be. No bridges were burned.

[QUOTE=SamuraiSWISH]To not disrupt team chemistry, the way say the Nuggets let the Melo fiasco take precedence over their entire season. Mitch was smart for that, however it doesn't mean Kobe wasn't content with where the Lakers were headed. Getting Gasol really changed the dynamic.

Kobe isn't going anywhere, but the point still stands. He pouted and or threatened to leave the Lakers at least a few times. This isn't a Jordan situation where Kobe has major beef with the front office, and vice a versa and he will be forced to go elsewhere to finish his career on his own terms. The Lakers will make a place for Kobe to stay in house, even when he comes back from this achilles injury, even if he's a shell of the player he used to be. No bridges were burned.[/QUOTE]

Jim Buss and Kobe have never been on good terms. He used a contract situation to force team improvement but his commitment to the franchise has never really wained.

He never sat out games or stopped giving 100% - like many others have done as they ran away.

I almost would rather just see Kobe hang 'em up and retire, or pull a Barkley and come back for one game to go out on his own terms. What I don't want to see is Kobe come back, be a shell of his former self, but continue to play like the number one option and screw up the team. For better or for worse, the Lakers are now Dwight's. Let's see what he does.

[QUOTE=Levity]not exactly true. Mitch K took kobe off the trading block right before the beginning of the season. From november to january, bynum was finally showing his potentiail, averaging something around 20/10 the past 5+ games before going down at memphis with his first major knee injury. At that time, the lakers were already or fighting for first place (cant remember correctly) It was only after that injury, that the pau trade was made. Point of this rambling, it looked like kobe was happy and watned to stay in LA before pau came, thanks to a progressively developing bynum.[/QUOTE]


They were 30-15. The Lakers were looking good, even before Pau arrived.

What's funny is Dwight gets screwed in this whole ordeal. If he leaves LA the public backlash is going to be awful. If he stays, chances are Kobe will try to come back and no one knows how that's going to turn out, but given Kobe's history I doubt he'll be happy with being a second or third option. Then again, if Dwight stays in LA chances are the team won't be competing for another year or two at best. Wow.