Kobe is done for the night

[DazedAndConfused]

That is an extreme exaggeration. There are two main sets of ligaments, and he's ruptured one of them. The other set is still in place. And of course, all the tendons, etc are still there, also offering "attachment".

The injury is far worse than the one James Worthy played with, but the support lacking due to the ruptured radial collateral ligament (the "thumb side" of the joint" is being replaced by the tape job that keeps the injured fifth digit wrapped in tandem with the fourth. In effect, the ligaments of the fourth digit are doing the job for both when it is taped up this way. A significant extension of that injury under these cir stances is extremely unlikely.

So long as he doesn't do something stupid (like play without a secure tape job) I don't think he's going to risk anything by playing on. It will hurt if it gets banged into, but it won't get injured to the point where the circulation is compromised. IMO, the circulation issue is the one of greatest concern, in the context of reinjury.

[E20]

I'm hearing if he gets the surgery, then he will be out all season.

[m33p0]

Isn't there a rule that states that if the player is healthy enough to play in the last game before the ASB and the first game after the ASB, he must play in the ASG or get fined?
I believe I heard this on a radio show the other day.

i heard from the local broadcasters here that the reason why kobe is playing in ASG is because he wants to play for the lakers' next game. the rule as they stated is that because kobe played in the laker's last outing, if he sat out the ASG, he won't be allowed to play for their next game.

[missmyzte]

I'm hearing if he gets the surgery, then he will be out all season.

6 weeks
Which may as well be the rest of the reason

[jmard5]

Isn't there a rule that states that if the player is healthy enough to play in the last game before the ASB and the first game after the ASB, he must play in the ASG or get fined?
I believe I heard this on a radio show the other day.

Exactly.

In order to play for the Lakers' next game, he should play in the ASG.

[SAGambler]

Im blaming Kobe Bryant for not being smart and getting surgery.

He could seriously damage that hand IMo.

Im not a doctor, I just play one on the internets.

Well, I think you are right. I heard a doc last week say one bad lick on that finger and he could do permanent damage.

[1Parker1]

Well I must say, I did actually miss watching Kobe last night. With the Eastern Conference players intent on beating the West this year, the West coulda used Kobe. Woulda been fun to see Kidd and Lebron go against Chris Paul and Kobe.

[ChumpDumper]

Kobe should play 48 minutes a game.