Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant will not finish the season on the floor for the second season in a row. Kobe’s knee injury turned out to be too much to overcome and was forced to shut it down.
After the announcement of Kobe’s season being over, Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves sympathized with the five-time NBA champion. Love said the following according to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press:
Kevin Love says he feels for Kobe. Knows what it's like to miss most of a season. Was hard for him at 24, so he knows it's killing Kobe
— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) March 13, 2014
With Love dealing with his fair share of injuries during his career, the former UCLA standout knows what it’s like to miss a considerable amount of time.
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Ironically enough, the next time Kobe takes the floor in purple and gold next season, there’s a chance he could be playing alongside Love. Kobe spoke to the media on Wednesday after being ruled out for the season and emphasized wanting the Lakers to contend next season.
With that being said, Kobe may have forced the hands of Mitch Kupchak and company heading into the off-season. The Lakers will likely have a high pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and seemed intent on using it to bring in a talented young player. Dante Exum, Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker will likely be available, but trading the pick may potentially be the better option to win now.
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Kobe Bryant OUT For Remainder Of Season, Lakers Press Conference