VIDEO: Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Explains Mysterious Wrap On Left Ankle

During the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers loss to the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night, Kobe Bryant, who was playing just his second game since rupturing his Achilles in April, had his left ankle wrapped up. At the time, Bryant kept his shoes on, but it was unclear whether he would re-enter the game. After giving Lakers athletic trainer Gary Vitti the nod, the wrap was removed and Bryant resumed play.

After the game, Bryant clarified that he still has minor ankle issues unrelated to his Achilles, and the wrap was actually a heating pad to keep the ankle and surrounding joints warm. Bryant explained that ankle tightness doesn’t seem to be an issue in practice when he’s constantly moving, but in game situations, rest causes the ankle to “lock up.” In such cases, a heating pad, like the one he used last night, is beneficial for him during games. Though Kobe said he doesn’t expect the mid-game heating pad to continue throughout the season, it is something he’ll likely be using when necessary during the upcoming games.

“I don’t think that it’s something that will last for awhile…This is not an issue that pertains to the Achilles. If you go back and look at starts of the season, in particular, I’ve always had kind of foot tightness. I’ve been playing for awhile so I just kinda got to get used to it.”

Bryant also said his ankle simply needs to get used to running again. Kobe will have plenty of games for his ankle to get used to running, as the Lakers play four games in five days in their difficult upcoming road-trip. Has Bryant considered sitting out in back-to-backs? Hardly. “It’s my job,” Kobe said late Tuesday night.

———————————————————————————————-
VIDEO: Did You See What Kobe Bryant Said About Losing 5 Pounds In One Game?

You May Also Like

Andrew Bynum’s Bittersweet Valediction and L.A.’s Bright New Future

Toy Story 3 was easily my favourite of the trilogy as it…

Chargers’ Derwin James Says He Would Play For Lakers If He Didn’t Play Football

In recent years, the city of Los Angeles has become the sports capital of the world considering the success all of their major sports…

Lakers News: Marc Gasol Confirms He Will Return To L.A.

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to fill out their roster after making the blockbuster trade to acquire Russell Westbrook…

Complete Dwight Howard ‘D-Day’ Timeline: The Dwightmare Concludes

July 5, 2013 will be known as “D-Day” in the basketball world,…