Kobe Bryant Passes Neurological Exam, Still A Game-Time Decision
According to ESPN, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant met with a neurologist expert Wednesday morning to have his head examined after suffering a concussion and nasal fracture during the NBA All-Star Game.
Bryant visited with Dr. Vern Williams who ran several tests to see what condition Kobe is in. Bryant passed a neurological exam, a stationary bike test, and treadmill test before playing in a game of 2-on-2 at the Lakers facility to determine his on-court stability. Bryant still must pass a full-contact basketball test before being cleared to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night. Bryant must also talk to Dr. Williams before the game who then must consult with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the director of the NBA’s concussion program, before being cleared to go.
According to the Los Angeles Lakers, guard Kobe Bryant suffered a broken nose in the third quarter of the All-Star Game. After receiving a pass from point guard Chris Paul, Bryant made a swift move around Dwyane Wade and headed for the basket. As he went for the layup, Wade slammed both arms around him as his right hand connected with Bryant’s nose. Bryant shot one free throw before walking over to the Western Conference bench to get cleaned up.
Wade thought it was a good foul but did not realize how hard he had hit him until he saw blood dripping from Bryant’s nose. He also said he sent Bryant a message saying he had no intentions of causing an injury, let alone a broken nose and concussion.
The Lakers coaching staff are optimistic Bryant will be able to play despite having to pass a few more tests.
“I don’t want to speak for the doctors, but if they didn’t feel like he was going to be able to play tonight, they would say, ‘Oh, he’s definitely out,’ and they have not said that,” head coach Mike Brown said. “They said he’s going through the necessary steps to possibly play tonight.”
Los Angeles needs Bryant in the lineup so they can start the second-half of the season off on the right foot. The Lakers are currently sixth in the Western Conference with a record of 21-14 and need Bryant to play if they want to move up in the standings.
In 34 games this season, Bryant is averaging 28.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while converting 43.5 percent of his shots from the field.
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