Kobe Bryant Out for the Season With Torn Achilles Tendon: 'The Frustration Is Unbearable

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant grimaces after being injured during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, April 12, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo: AP)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (TheBlaze/AP) -- Kobe Bryant is having surgery Saturday on his torn Achilles tendon, ending the season for the Los Angeles Lakers star.

He was hurt late in the Lakers' 118-116 win over Golden State on Friday night, and Lakers trainer Gary Vitti says Bryant's tendon was completely torn.

Still, Bryant stayed in the game to make two free throws.

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/323152308542255105"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/323152453317038080"]

Bryant's foot will be immobilized for about a month to prevent him from stretching out the tendon, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. Nobody knows how the injury will affect Bryant's play, but his decision to have surgery less than 24 hours after getting hurt suggests he's determined to get back on top swiftly.

Bryant said as much in an introspective Facebook message:

(Photo via Twitter/@lakers)

“Everyone wants to know why," athletic trainer Gary Vitti noted.  "There’s not always a reason why. If you look at our season it’s been a nightmare.”

General manager Mitch Kupchak thinks it's realistic the 34-year-old guard could be ready for next season's opener in the fall, but his trainer cautions that this isn't "the type of injury you want to rush."

Kupchak says the Lakers haven't considered parting ways with Bryant, who will make nearly $30.5 million next year.

Jodie Meeks will start in Bryant's spot against the Spurs, and the Lakers won't know until game time whether Nash will return from a right hamstring injury that has kept him out for six games. Gasol, Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Hill all have missed large chunks of the season with injuries, while Howard has struggled to get back to full strength while recovering from offseason back surgery and a nagging torn labrum in his right shoulder.

"We know what we have to do," Howard said. "We know he's out, but we can't put our heads down like it's over with. We have to go out there and play. We have a lot of talented guys on this team. I think we can accomplish something great, with or without Kobe."

​This post has been updated.