NBA: Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant ruled out for remainder of season
NBA superstar Kobe Bryant will miss the rest of the season because of injury.
Last Updated: 13/03/14 8:17am
Bryant, 35, has not played since 17 December last year when he fractured his knee against Memphis.
He also missed the first 19 games of the 2013-14 season because of a torn Achilles.
The Lakers have had a dreadful season - with 18 games left they are have no chance of reaching the play-offs.
Bryant played just six times for the Lakers in the whole campaign.
Sixteen-times All-Star Bryant, so dominant a force on the NBA stage that he was still elected to a place on this season's All-Star game - which he declined - averaged 13.8 points and 6.3 assists in the action he did manage.
Bryant will return to the Lakers next season after having signed a two-year contract extension last year.
"Obviously this has been a frustrating and disappointing season, but I appreciate all the support I've received from the Lakers and the fans, and look forward to being back and ready for the start of training camp," Bryant said.