Kobe Bryant named NBA’s Western Conference player of the week
While it doesn’t soften the blow, Kobe Bryant was named Western Conference player of the week for games played April 8 through April 14. Bryant was lost for the season Friday after tearing his Achilles’ tendon in a victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers won all four games this past week, all vital in the team’s quest to finish in eighth place ahead of the Utah Jazz. Bryant played in the first three, averaging 37 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2.7 steals.
After surgery on Saturday, Bryant is expected to be out for at least six to nine months.
The Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday without Bryant. If the team beats the Houston Rockets on Wednesday — of if the Utah Jazz loses in Minnesota or Memphis — the Lakers will advance to the playoffs.
This is the third time this season Bryant has received the award. Carmelo Anthony was named Eastern Conference player of the week.
Other players considered for the award in the West included Dirk Nowitzki, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Al Jefferson.
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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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