Kobe Bryant: Surgery or play?

Surgery

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by Denise Dawson

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What would you do if you were Kobe Bryant?

On Thursday the Lakers announced that Kobe had been diagnosed with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament and an avulsion fracture which is a small fragment of bone that is pulled off by a tendon, located on the right pinkie. The initial injury date was February 5th . He was diagnosed with a dislocation and on Wednesday he aggravated the injury against the Timberwolves.

Here is his dilemma, he could have the surgery, which would mean that he would be out for up to six weeks, or he could choose not to have surgery. If he chooses to have the surgery the Lakers would have to try to stay a float without Bryant in addition to Bynum, and Ariza who are already out with injuries. If he chooses this option and the Lakers manage to break even they will most likely make the playoffs, however if they fall apart without Kobe their is a chance that they will not make the playoffs. On the other hand if he chooses to bypass the surgery and injures it even more so, he could be possibly out for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs.

In my opinion he should have the surgery and I think that he should have it as soon as possible because it is only six weeks. The Lakers have Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and the bench, which is fairly healthy, they should be able to break even, at least. Another reason that he should have it is that Kobe is known to be a quick healer so he could possibly be back as early as five weeks instead of the estimated time frame, that would be the perfect time for him to come back.

At this point Kobe has chosen to receive some treatment and get some rest for a few days to see if it gets any better. The team released a statement saying that Bryant would like to delay surgery until after the Lakers season and the Olympic Games.

I personally feel that this a huge mistake that could potentially hurt the Lakers best chance to go deep into the playoffs. The risk is too much and unfortunately he is going to end up hurting his team rather than helping them. Hopefully Kobe will come to his senses sooner than later and have the surgery, which he so desperately needs. Someone with Los Angeles Lakers organization, preferably the Medical Staff needs to sit down with him and let him know how truly risky it is to not have the surgery.

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