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Bryant Undergoes Surgery To Repair Torn Achilles Tendon

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Lakers guard Kobe Bryant underwent surgery Saturday for what appeared to be a rupture of his Achilles tendon, the team said.

Head athletic trainer Gary Vitti called Bryant's injury a "3rd rupture. It's gone. It has to be sewn back together," the team (@Lakers) tweeted Saturday.

Bryant's surgery was by all accounts a success but even with rehab, he is not expected back on the court for at least 6-9 months, officials said at a media availability event.

The 34-year-old NBA All-Star fell to the ground during Friday night's game against the Golden State Warriors.

"It felt like I got kicked. It popped ... it's a freak situation," Bryant said Friday.

In a late-night rant on Facebook, Bryant said, "All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable."

"The anger is rage ... Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that," he continued.

The Lakers have two games left in the season. They're currently ahead of the Utah Jazz by one game for the final spot of the playoffs.

RELATED STORY: Kobe Bryant Convinced He Suffered Torn Achilles In Friday's Game, Likely Out For Season

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